5 Things You Need to Know Today: Dec. 8

Our daily column, 5 Things You Need to Know Today, will help you to get your day started and offer you some fodder for water cooler conversation.

1. Happy Hanukkah. Today begins the the Jewish "festival of lights." It begins at sunset tonight and ends at sunset on Sunday, Dec. 16.

2. The Framingham Downtown Renaissance organization is hosting the 2nd Annual Winter Wonderland festival.

3. One of the largest craft fairs in MetroWest - more than 175 exhibitors expected today - is celebrating its silver anniversary. The Framingham Auxiliary Police Holiday Craft Fair turns 25 this year.The fair is open today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Keefe Regional Technical High School. Admission is $2.50. Children under 12 are free.

In celebration of the 25th anniversary, John Henry’s World of Magic will present three magic shows at 11 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m.

4. The main Framingham Library will host the 2012 Winter Art & Craft Fair today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Also the new teen advisory board at the library is holding a Young Adult Holiday Craft Workshop at the main Framingham Library from 10 a.m. to noon. For teens in grades 6-12, if you are short on cash a team of local crafters will provide the materials and guidance to help you make cool gifts for your friends and family: jewelry, handcrafted cards, polar fleece scarves, and more! Yummy holiday snacks provided.

5. Finally, Senator-Elect Elizabeth Warren will make a stop in Framingham at Nevins Hall in the Memorial Building from 1 to 2:30 p.m.