Children await the arrival of Santa Claus during Longmeadow’s annual Christmas tree lighting on the Town Green in 2024.
Reminder Publishing file photo
Towns in Hampden County are beginning to announce their holiday lighting celebrations as the holiday season is quickly approaching.
In Longmeadow on Nov. 30 at the Town Green, residents can come see the tree be lit at 5 p.m. while enjoying music and singing. The First Church of Christ organizes the event and said they look forward to it every year.
East Longmeadow’s tree lighting, sponsored by the EL Lions Club since 1953, will kick off the holiday season on Dec. 6 on the front lawn of the Congregational Church at 5:30 p.m.
Prior to the tree lighting at 6 p.m, there will be a lighted truck parade down North Main Street, around the rotary and up Somers Road. At the back of the parade riding an East Longmeadow Fire Department truck will be East Longmeadow’s guest of honor, Santa Claus, who will be departing the truck at the rotary to light the tree. Children are invited to visit Santa in the hall of the church after, where hot chocolate and cookies will be served.
Anyone interested in joining the lighted truck parade can contact Roland Bolduc at roadeo@charter.net. Staging will begin at 200 North Main St. at 5:30 p.m.
The Lions club is also looking for a sponsor to offset the $200 cost of holiday glow necklaces provided to children during the lighting. Those interested can contact eastlongmeadowlions@gmail.com.
Wilbraham will be having multiple holiday events this year. At the Wilbraham Old Meeting House Museum from 3-6 p.m. on Dec. 7 will be the Festival of Trees, ran by the Atheneum Society of Wilbraham. Here, residents can stroll through an array of decorated trees “created by local groups and neighbors” while enjoying hot cider and treats.
Additional highlights will include a live ice carving demonstration, free homemade ornaments and a raffle for a holiday wreath. Admission is free and the museum invites people to bring their families, friends and a bunch of holiday spirit.
Happening in Wilbraham later that evening on Dec. 7 at Gazebo Park will be the annual tree lighting ceremony, sponsored by Rotary Club. The event will run from 4:30-6:30 p.m. with an appearance by Santa Claus on a Wilbraham fire engine around 5 p.m.
The LUSO Federal Credit Union will be providing hot chocolate and cookies for families, and those who visit Santa will receive a candy cane.
The Rotary Club will also be collecting hygiene donations to “keep up with the Rotary’s motto of ‘Service above Self,’’ said Chair Peter Salerno.
The town of Hampden’s ceremony this year will be held on Dec. 7.
