Printer Friendly Version - North Haven Gets in the Holiday Spirit with Annual Tree Lighting on Dec. 8

North Haven High School choir members will once again be a featured part of the annual Tree Lighting on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 2 to 5 p.m. on the green and at the rec center. File photo by Kelley Fryer/The Courier

For more than 30 years, residents of North Haven have gathered on the North Haven Green to celebrate the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony. This year, thousands are expected to join in the festivities on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 2 to 5 p.m. rain, snow, or shine.

“It’s always a nice town tradition that really encompasses everything—it’s even nicer if we get a little light snow falling,” said Andrew Delvecchio, director of North Haven’s Department of Community Services and Recreation. “It’s a nice day for people to get together before the holidays. It’s a fun event and we get people of all ages—children through adults and seniors.”

There are activities for people of all ages to enjoy throughout the afternoon between the North Haven Town Green and the recreation center. There will be holiday character visits throughout the day as well as a variety of entertainment by Minotti Music, North Haven High School Concert Choir, and St. Rita School.

Santa’s Workshop at the North Pole will move south to the Rec Center so local children can have their photos taken with Santa from 2 to 4:30 p.m. for a requested donation of $1. Santa will return to his workshop for photos on Monday, Dec. 9 and Wednesday, Dec. 11 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Refreshments will be provided at no cost at the rec center and the North Haven Knights of Columbus Father James F. Donaher Council 3733 will provide hot chocolate, coffee, and cookies on the green where VOX will serve up apple cider.

Other activities at the rec center include face-painting, crafts, and cookie decorating, as well as the CT CHIP program by the Corinthian Masonic Lodge #63. There will be hayrides on the green.

“There’s no charge for anything except for the requested $1 donation for photos with Santa,” said Delvecchio. “It’s a free event for the community that we want everyone to enjoy.”

While the Department of Community Services and Recreation hosts the event, Delvecchio is quick to point out that all of the town departments lend a hand in planning and orchestrating the event. He thanks the Fire, Police, and Public Works departments for their assistance.

The town employees aren’t the only ones who help, though. There are several sponsors who donate items such as Stop & Shop and Caldwell Banker as well as other companies and groups that donate services or talents, including the local company that strings the lights on the tree each year, Minotti Music, the Knights of Columbus, the North Haven High School Concert Choir, St. Rita School, and Corinthian Lodge #63.

“Everyone in the town has a hand in it. The town does its best to offer things to the public and try to make everything as accessible as possible,” said Delvecchio. “The event wouldn’t be possible without the contributions of our community organizations and sponsors.”

At 5 p.m., Santa leaves his workshop to head to the green for the tree lighting ceremony. Santa leads a countdown to flip the switch to light the tree.

“The culmination of the event is everyone walking to the green where Santa will do the countdown—it’s a nice finish to the day,” said Delvecchio. “We’re very fortunate to have a real tree that’s on the green year-round. With the lights, the tree looks beautiful. It’s a nice event that kicks off the holiday in the right way.”