Five Things You Need to Know Today: Dec. 2

1. Celebrate Newton Holiday Craft Fair. The Celebrate Newton Craft Fair will take place today from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Newton South High School. The event will include a number of local artists and crafters as well as a kids' craft table, food and live music. Admission is $3. 

2. Arts Stroll & Shop. The Second Annual Arts Stroll & Shop will take place today in Newton Centre from noon - 6 p.m. Check out deals from local retailers, enjoy holiday refreshments, hear local musicians and view works by local artists. View the list of participating businesses and don't forget to print out a map.

3. Tree lighting events. The villages of Nonantum and Waban will hold holiday tree lighting events today. Waban will hold its lighting and sing-a-long at 4:30 p.m. today in Waban Square (intersection of Beacon and Woodward streets). Nonantum will kick off its tree lighting festivities at 6:30 p.m. in Coletti-Magni Park. Planning to take photos? Share them with Patch and your neighbors by adding them to our community photo gallery. 

4. Friends of the Library book sale. The Friends of the Library will hold a book sale today from noon - 3 p.m. in the lower level of the Auburndale Community Library. 

5. Holiday Hustle. The John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton will hold its Holiday Hustle road race today starting at 9 a.m. (registration at 8 a.m.) The race includes a 5K run on a certified, flat course through the neighborhood of West Newton, professional chip timing by RaceWire, guaranteed shirts to first 200 runners, sports bottles for all, prizes to top finishers and post race festivities. Costumes are encouraged.