Weekend Preview for the Westwood Area: Dec. 9-11

With the colder temperatures now settling in and it feeling a little bit more like December in Westwood, you may be looking to get going on that holiday shopping this weekend.

But what if you're already done shopping for friends and family? What if you're just trying to avoid the lines and are looking for something else to do in the area?

Fear not - we've got our weekly roundup of agenda items coming your way this morning. Here's what's happening in and around Westwood Friday through Sunday this week. 

1.

Where/When: , 288 Washington St., Westwood; Saturday, Dec. 10: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Why Go: The reasons are endless! You'll be able to have your photo taken with Santa himself, but you'll also be helping to .
Price: $10

2.  

Where/When: The Barn Yard, 474 Canton St., Westwood; Saturday, Dec. 10: 9 a.m.
Why Go: Looking for a special holiday gift for grandparents or relatives that will be treasured for years? Come take part in the Westwood Early Childhood Council's Winter Fundraising Event, Silhouettes by Joy Anne MacConnell, to benefit the Kathy Scales Preschool Scholarship Fund. With a small pair of surgical scissors, special black-coated paper and precise eye-hand coordination, Joy Anne, an internationally known silhouette artist, will freehand cut your child’s silhouette portrait in just a few minutes. Silhouettes are matted and ready for gift-giving at the end of your sitting. For more information or to reserve your sitting, please email WestwoodEarlyChildhoodCouncil@gmail.com.
Price: N/A

3.  

Where/When: 1689 Centre St, West Roxbury; Friday, Dec. 9: 7:30 p.m.
Why Go: Come hear Christmas music from three continents and three centuries. The concert features the Dedham Choral Society's 85-voice chorus, orchestra and soloists, under the masterful direction of Jonathan Barnhart, perform exciting and beautiful music sung in Spanish, Latin and a rare Native American dialect.  
Price: $25

4.  

Where/When: 77 Cedar St., Dedham; Saturday, Dec. 10: 4:30 p.m.
Why Go: Holiday cheer, caroling, hot cocoa and home-baked treats will be served to celebrate 2011 Holidays in Oakdale Square in Dedham on Saturday. A freshly decorated common will host this event for neighbors to gather and "Light the Night". This event was organized by the Oakdale Square Alliance. All are welcome.
Price: Free.

5. 

Where/When: 1458 Great Plain Ave., Needham; Sunday, Dec. 11: 3 p.m.
Why Go: This Christmas, the Boston String Quartet will be joined by a full chorus and award-winning Celtic vocalist, Pan Morigan, known for her silvery and wide-ranging voice and passionate stage presence at 24 theatres, churches, and museums through the Northeast. Come check out the performance and be prepared for a thrilling concert of soaring Irish melodies, insistent Scottish rhythmic patterns, and a uniquely Celtic flavor with an entrancing underlying storyline.
Price: Free.

Editor's Note: These events are listed in the Westwood Patch events calendar, which you can check daily for updated events in and around Westwood.