Gabe's Run Leads Full Slate of Weekend Activities

Christmas and holiday events dominate the calendar for the long weekend after Thanksgiving, with Santa taking part in two of the events.

Plus Gabe’s Run on Friday continues to grow, with entries being accepted first-thing in the morning before the starting gun goes off.

Below, get the when and where for those events and others happenings in Hamilton, Wenham and the nearby area.

Remember, each Friday Hamilton-Wenham Patch’s “Get Out” weekend planner brings you a quick guide to local events and activities.

If you have great ideas of your own that you want to share, please feel free to add them in the comments section at the bottom.

1. GABE’S RUN

Where/When: Winthrop School/Patton Park; Friday, 9 a.m., women’s 5K; 9:45 a.m., men’s 5K; 10:30 a.m., fun run

Why Go: This has become the huge “Day After Thanksgiving” race starting and finishing in Patton Park and making its way through the Myopia Schooling Fields to benefit Gabe’s Fund. The fund, in memory of former Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School cross-country star Gabe Pacione, which awards scholarships to track athletes from the Cape Ann League and seniors at Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School each year. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. It also includes a one-mile fun run.

Pricing: $25 for 5K, $10 for fun run.

2. SWEDISH YULE FAIR

Where/When: Community House of Hamilton-Wenham; Saturday, 9 a.m.

Why Go:  It’s a Scandinavian-themed event that happens at the Community House each year, put on by the It includes Scandinavian food, plus everything from ornaments and cards to wrapping paper to candles. Lucia Bride of Light is at noon and lunch will also be served at noon.

Pricing: Free

3. CHRISTMAS FAIR AND FESTIVAL OF TREES

Where/When: Asbury Grove; Saturday, 9 a.m.

Why Go: Asbury Grove’s Christmas Fair and Festival of Trees gets started on Saturday with a raffle, a children's scavenger hunt and a treat from Mrs. Claus plus a live nativity scene at 7 p.m.

Pricing: $4 for Festival of Trees, all other events free

4. SANTA AT THE SWAMPWALK

Where/When: Danvers Swampwalk; Sunday, 1 p.m.

Why Go: It’s a perfect combination – St. Nick and the newly completed Swampwalk. Santa will be out at the “Love Bench” on the Swampwalk and listening to kids’ Christmas wishes. Photos will also be taken with Santa and available for sale later in the day online, with the proceeds going to Toys for Tots. The best access is from the Rail Trail parking area along Route 97 in Wenham at the bottom of what is known as “Chicken Hill” just south of the Topsfield town line.

Pricing: Free

5. SANTA/HOLIDAY PARADE

Where/When: Downtown Beverly; Sunday, 1:30 p.m.

Why Go: It’s one of the biggest holiday parades in the region each year – always the Sunday after Thanksgiving. It includes everything from firetrucks to bands, plus plenty of floats with – of course – Santa at the end. The parade starts and ends at the Cummings Center and makes it way up Elliott Street and down Cabot Street, across Railroad Avenue and back up Rantoul Street. A fire truck from the Hamilton Fire Department typically takes part and maybe we’ll see some other participants from he two towns.

Pricing: Free