Communities ring in holiday season with tree lightings

Date: 11/24/2021

GREATER SPRINGFIELD –With the holiday season fast approaching, many local communities are prepping for annual tree lighting ceremonies to spread some Christmas spirit. Reminder Publishing reached out to the towns of East Longmeadow, Enfield. Hampden, Longmeadow and Wilbraham to find out what they have in store.

East Longmeadow

The East Longmeadow Lions Club will be hosting the annual tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 3. The tree is located at the rotary on the lawn of the First Congregational Church, 7 Somers Rd. However, prior to the lighting, there will be a lighted truck parade starting off from the East Longmeadow High School, 180 Maple St., at 6:15 p.m. The parade will proceed down Maple Street to the rotary where Santa will be dropped off, and then will proceed up Somers Road. After the tree is lit, Santa will go inside the First Congregational Church to meet with visiting children.

Enfield

On Dec. 5, Enfield is hosting its annual “Torchlight Parade and Carol Sing.” The parade begins at 6 p.m., and it will return to the Town Green on North Main Street, at 7 p.m. for the Carol Sing.

Hampden

Hampden will be celebrating the holidays with their traditional tree lighting at the Town House, 625 Main St., on Dec. 5, Santa and Mrs. Claus will kick off the celebration by riding in a fire truck for a neighborhood tour of the Allen Street, Raymond Drive and Wilbraham Road area. The couple will arrive at the Town House, where they will walk up the red carpet for the tree lighting at 6 p.m.
The chorus from Green Meadows School will sing carols at the lighting, and Girls Scouts will also be on hand, collecting nonperishable food items for donation.

Longmeadow

The Town of Longmeadow is hosting its annual Community Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 28 at 5 p.m. on the Town Green in front of First Church of Christ, located at 763 Longmeadow St. The community is welcome to stay after the tree lighting to sing Christmas carols. The town asks that attendees bring a candle or flashlight for this activity.

Wilbraham

The Old Meeting House Museum, located at 450 Main St. in Wilbraham, will be hosting their Tree Festival on Dec. 5 from 2-5 p.m.. The event is free, and there will be a wreath raffle. There will be a display of Christmas trees, decorated by local businesses and organizations. The public is encouraged to come and enjoy mulled cider and baked goods. Masks will be required regardless of vaccination status.

Reminder Publishing reached out to the town of Wilbraham regarding the tree lighting ceremony, however details were not made available as of press time.

Reminder Publishing reached out to the town of Somers but did not hear back regarding their plans by press time.

Managing Editor Payton North contributed to this article.