Santa Claus by Sea, by Fire Truck and Plenty More Holiday Cheer This Week

Today is Monday, Dec. 2. Here's a look at the week ahead in Danvers.

1. Mark off Saturday on your calendar: Santa Claus will be making his official arrival in Danvers Dec. 7, first by boat at Popes Landing and then atop one of the town's fire engines for the annual holiday festival in the square. Santa By Sea is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with pony cart rides, bouncy houses, trackless train rides, horse-drawn wagon rides, popcorn, treats, candy, cocoa and more. Santa himself arrives at noon for photos with children. The event is hosted by the Danvers River Committee, Friends of Danvers Recreation, Inc., Danvers Harbormaster’s Office and Danvers Recreation. The 15th Annual Danvers Holiday Festival then kicks off from 2-5 p.m. downtown. There will be all sorts of activities, tables and entertainment from local businesses around the square, culminating with the arrival of Saint Nick by fire truck and the lighting of the town Christmas tree at 5 p.m.
2. But before you get to the weekend, stop in to the Panera Bread at the Liberty Tree Mall on Monday for a Christmas tree cookie decorating party. You just have to buy a shortbread cookie to join in the fun.
   
3. The 5th Annual Danvers Parade of Trees is underway and you can stop down Monday night at Tapley Hall for crafts and cookies. You can find more information here at www.paradeoftrees.com/index.html.
4. Free TIPS Training: DanversCARES and the Danvers Police Department are offering free TIPS training for Danvers businesses selling or serving alcohol on Tuesday. TIPS stands for Training for Intervention ProcedureS and is a skills-based program designed to prevent intoxication, drunk driving and underage drinking.
   
5. The annual ceremony for the Tree of Lights in support of Hospice of the North Shore & Greater Boston is on Wednesday (5 p.m.) outside People's United Bank in the square.
6. It's time for the Jolly Jaunt again on Sunday. The 5K race starts at the Lahey Outpatient Center, Danvers and supports Special Olympics Massachusetts. You can run or walk the 3.1 miles and there will also be a 1K kids fun run. After the race there will be awards, raffles, prizes, entertainment, and lots of food There will also be a prize for the best dressed, so get festive. Registration the day of starts at 11 a.m., the fun run begins at noon and the 5K at 12:30 p.m. You can register online at www.jollyjaunt.org.
   
7. Sunday also marks the 10th anniversary of the Holiday Pops Luncheon Concert at the Danversport Yacht Club. The program is sponsored by Honda North and features Dirk Hillyer and the Hillyer Festival Orchestra with a special guest appearance by soloist Renese King. Santa will also be there for photos. You can call 617-450-1520 for tickets or purchase them online at www.aac.org/pops.
8. Saint Richard's Parish is also hosting the North Shore Philharmonic on Sunday (4 p.m.) for the annual Sounds of the Holidays concert. Admission is free and the doors open at 3 p.m. All those attending are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the food pantry.
9. Howie Carr will be back at the Used Book Superstore in Danvers on Sunday to sign copies of his newest book, "Ratman: The Trial and Conviction of Whitey Bulger", or any of his other titles.