Christmas tree lightings, other holiday-themed events. When you can see the lights turn on
Framingham is ringing in the holiday season this week with its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.
The tree lighting, now in its 32nd year, will feature Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving at the Memorial Building via fire engine before the tree is lit. Along with appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Framingham Public Library and the Book Mobile are producing a Story Walk. Popcorn, cookies, candy canes and hot chocolate will be provided, along with holiday tunes by the Rousseau family's antique oil truck.
When: 5-7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1
Where: City Hall Plaza (intersection of Concord Street and Union Avenue)
Information: Contact the Mayor's Office at (508) 532-5401
Other MetroWest communities are also hosting holiday-themed events. Here's a roundup of some of the others:
Milford Christmas Tree Lighting
When: 5:30-7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1
Where: Draper Memorial Park (52 Main St.)
Information: Visit the Citizens for Milford Facebook page.
Citizens for Milford is planning the eighth annual Milford Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in Draper Memorial Park. This year's event will include the holiday carol sing-along led by members of the Greater Milford Community Chorus and a visit from Santa Claus at 5:45 p.m.
The tree will be lit at 6:30 p.m. The event will also include cookies, hot chocolate and chili. If it rains or snows on Friday, the tree will still be lit as scheduled, but other events will be scaled back as necessary.
Ashland Tree Lighting
When: 4-5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2
Where: Green Square on Main Street
Information: Visit the event's Facebook posting
Santa will be in attendance at Ashland's tree lighting, along with hot cocoa, cookies and caroling. The tree lighting takes place at 4:30 p.m.
Ashland Festival of Lights
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3
Where: Ashland Middle School (87 West Union St.)
Information: Email Ashlandindians@gmail.com
The day after the tree lighting, the Town of Ashland and Ashland Indians are co-hosting a Festival of Lights celebration at Ashland Middle School. The festival will include cultural performances, Dandiya dancing, Bollywood music and Indian street food. The event will also feature a Rangoli competition. Rangoli is an art form in which patterns are created on the floor or other flat surface usually made of colored powder.
Home for the Holidays in Marlborough
When: 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1
Where: Union Common (intersection of Routes 85 and 20) and First Congressional Church (37 High St.)
For more information: Visit the city's webpage.
Mayor Arthur Vigeant will kick off this year's Home for the Holidays tree lighting by arriving with a Marlborough fire engine. Complimentary hot chocolate, popcorn and candy canes will be provided. Along with musical performances by the Marlborough High School Choir, attendees will be able to view and visit a variety of barn animals.
Musical performances will continue at the First Congressional Church, with performances by the Marlborough High School Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble.
Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting in Wayland
When: 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: Wayland Town Center
Information: Visit thewaylandtowncenter.com.
Local businesses at the Wayland Town Center are partnering to put on a holiday stroll and tree lighting. Santa arrives by firetruck at 3 p.m., followed by a tree lighting on the green at 4:45 p.m.
Local businesses are providing giveaways, including BTone Fitness, where people can play Plinko for the chance to win a free fitness class, merchandise and a discounted intro class pack.
Don't see an event listed? You can send information on a free, holiday-themed event to multimedia journalist Tom Benoit at tbenoit@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Spreading Christmas cheer, these six events start the holiday season
