Join us on Thursday, December 3 for the City's annual tradition held on downtown's historic New Haven Green from 4-8pm.

The event is the City's traditional kick-off to the holiday season and is free for the entire family. Enjoy a host of family oriented activities including live musical performances, carousel rides, holiday crafts, hay rides, letter writing to the North Pole and tug & train rides. Take a photo in the "winter wonderland", with Rudolph or other costumed characters and visit with Santa.* Free popcorn and other treats are provided by the New Haven Lions Club and the New Haven Rotary Club.

The Ceremony is hosted by Ronald McDonald and WTNH/MyTV 9's Gil Simmons and Desiree Fontaine. Live performances by

• Unity Boys Choir
• Betsy Ross Arts Magnet School Choir
• Fair Haven K-8 School Choir

The Tree Lighting Celebration is presented in collaboration with the Department of Parks, Recreation and Trees plays a part of the city's larger holiday celebration featuring late night shopping, luminaria on the upper Green and other festive activities.

 

*Santa's House closes at 7:30pm.

 

Photograph courtesy of Judy Sirota Rosenthal