EVENTS

Best bets this week include holiday lights in Mashpee, weird sea creatures and a tech lesson

Gwenn Friss
Cape Cod Times

If you missed the sleigh full of activities on Cape Cod last week, no worries ― holiday celebrations continue this week. There is even a chance for you to polish your tech skills in anticipation of any holiday gifts you may receive.

Lights and more in Mashpee

Saturday, Dec. 10 (rain date is Sunday, Dec. 11), the 16th Annual Mashpee Chamber Illuminated Christmas Parade kicks off at 5:30 p.m. at Mashpee Commons. The streets of Mashpee will be decked out in lights to celebrate the magic of the holiday season.

Holiday shoppers and browsers are framed by a jumble of Christmas lights strung along a walkway at Mashpee Commons where crowds have been turning out for the official start of the Christmas shopping season for more than 20 years.

On Sunday, Dec. 11, Sopranos will host Breakfast With Santa from 9 a.m. to noon. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 508-477-7475.

The chamber's annual 12 Days of Christmas online auction is going on now with several donated items from local businesses. Bidding closes when the clock strikes midnight on Dec. 13.

Under the sea

The Cape Cod Maritime Museum invites children and the curious of all ages to join a Zoom online presentation, at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11, of The 12 Sea Creatures of Christmas. The merry adventure of looking at unusual sea creatures will be led by Meghan Reilly, Cape Cod Maritime Museum’s youth programs director, who holds a Mass Maritime Academy degree in marine science, safety and environmental protection, with a minor in marine biology.

There is also a special sea creature for Hanukkah, which begins at dusk on Sunday, Dec. 18.

Conants' family Christmas

Falmouth Museums on the Green will celebrate from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, with cheer, crafts and stories of yesteryear. The early 20th century house where the Conant family lived now serves as headquarters for the museum at 55 Palmer Ave. in Falmouth.

The family's daughter Eleanor fondly remembered her time in the house and later wrote "Cape Cod Yesteryears: The Life and Short Stories of Eleanor Conant Yeager." In the memoir, she goes into detail about Christmas traditions.In this new program, participants will be transported to an early 20th century Falmouth Christmas and hear stories of the family inside the Conant House followed by a holiday party in the museum's cultural center and an opportunity to create a popcorn and cranberry garland to take home. Holiday treats, wine, beer and juices are included in the cost of the $20 ticket ($10 for members and free for children 12 and younger). Ticketholders will receive a $2 coupon off the museum's Christmas items including bayberry candles, beeswax candles and Karen Rinaldo's holiday ornaments. Limited availability, register online via Eventbrite.

Tech savvy for the season

No doubt about it, technology can be intimidating. What’s more, it is always changing, and who knows what technical skills will be needed for any holiday gifts you may receive. Help is available. Attend one of the Osterville Village Library’s “Tech Outreach” sessions to be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays on Dec. 14 and again on Dec. 28.

Make a 30-minute appointment with Osterville Village Library staff member Davis Hanberry to receive help navigating and understanding your smart phone, tablet or laptop computer. Can't figure out how to open a text message or send one? Bring along any passwords you will need to access email or other accounts. Reservations are required. For more information, visit ostervillevillagelibrary.org or call Osterville Village Library at 508-428-5757.