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Date: 11/27/2023
SOUTH HADLEY — The 35th annual Holiday Stroll is returning to the South Hadley Village Commons on Friday, Dec. 1 from 5-7:30 p.m. and once again the event is ready to ring in the holiday season.
The event is hosted by the South Hadley and Granby Chamber of Commerce and Chamber President Regina Zebrowski said the holiday celebration has lasted so long due to the traditions made by the South Hadley community.
“I feel like it’s generations of folks and families that come out every year,” Zebrowski said.
Zebrowski shared stories she has heard already from residents about the full circle of families and their generational cross over through the Holiday Stroll. One example she shared was a resident who used to be part of the parade through the South Hadley High School marching band was telling her his son is marching now this year.
Other events included for this year’s Holiday Stroll are a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, face painting, puppetry creations, live performances of holiday entertainment, hot cocoa and more.
The Holiday Stroll begins at 5 p.m. with face painting and hot cocoa for kids available at Thirsty Mind. Also during this time, puppet crafting will take place at Serenity Yoga, other activities, holiday treats and raffles all kick off.
From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., music and entertainment under the gazebo will be courtesy of Berkshire Hills Music Academy, St. Patrick’s Contemporary Choir, and Jay Daly and the South Hadley Community Band.
The holiday parade with Santa and Mrs. Claus, escorted by District 2 Fire Department to the common, accompanied by the South Hadley Marching Band will start at 5:45 p.m. At 6 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive for the tree lighting.
Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available after the lighting from 6:15-7:30 p.m.
The gathering at the Village Commons has only grown over the last 35 years and has become the major event in town to spread holiday cheer and celebrate the season. Zebrowski said the giving nature of the community makes this yearly celebration a special one.
“The stroll is iconic. We have everyone from the Police Department, the Fire Department, the DPW, there is so much into putting something like this together. It’s amazing that every year when I reach out they already have it on their calendar and the date set,” Zebrowski said.
The chamber encourages attendees to stop by their tent located in front of the gazebo to participate in a trivia contest, a raffle drawing and a chance to win prizes for participants.
Zebrowski said she hopes this is another year of fun holiday celebration for the community.
“I hope people are ready to come out and sing and be entertained with that holiday music and forget about everything else that’s going on. Dress warm and expect a spectacular evening that brings a lot of joy to everybody,” Zebrowski said.