HOLDEN — As December starts, the holiday season gets under way in Holden style with the annual Holidays in Holden.
Activities start Friday, Dec. 1, and continue through Sunday, Dec. 3, culminating with a Parade of Lights through downtown. The Parks and Recreation Department and the Economic Development Committee partnered to spearhead the event.
“It will be a great event where the whole community can come together,” Parks Director Angela Greene said. “There’s pretty much something for everyone to enjoy.”
“Events like this are what make our residents feel like Holden is so much more than just the town where they live,” Town Manager Peter Lukes said. “These events foster a sense of community and appreciation for one another. Most importantly, it’s going to be a lot of fun, and the weekend includes activities for all ages and interests.”.
Holidays in Holden relies on volunteers and local businesses to make it happen.
“So many people worked so hard, and our locally owned businesses contributed a huge amount to make this all happen. Part of the effort is aimed at fostering support for our Holden businesses when we do our holiday shopping and, of course, all year round,” Lukes said.
Friday evening starts the weekend with events from 5 to 10 p.m.
Saturday is full of events all day, including the Winter Market of vendors setting up at the Holden Senior Center, 1130 Main St., which is central to many of the weekend activities. The market will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Santa will be there from 1 to 3 p.m.
A coach bus will join the trolley Friday and Saturday to help those attending get from parking and to the various events.
Entertainment will be featured from the Senior Center to Town Hall, the First Baptist Church and First Congregational Church.
The tree lighting is slated for 5 p.m., and Santa will be in the town hall area from 5 to 6 p.m.
Food trucks will keep people fueled for the events.
And the Cirque De Light performance will include light and fire expertise in the entertainment.
On Sunday, the winter market will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. again at the senior center, and Santa will take up his post from 1 to 3 p.m. with more food trucks.
Disco Lemonade will be on the Bandstand from 3 to 4:45 p.m.
And then at 5:30, the Parade of Lights will start from Wachusett Regional High School, continuing through downtown to end at the DPW facility on Industrial Drive.
It will feature “festive lighted floats, trucks, and jeeps to celebrate this holiday season,” with businesses and residents invited to join, via a signup on the Recreation Department website.
Many businesses will have things planned inside their locations.
Fundraising went well, Greene indicated, mainly with the EDC working on getting contributions, especially with local firms, to fund the events.
“I just love interacting with the people and seeing how happy they are and how the community comes together for the whole event,” Greene said.
Allie Connell of the Recreation Department has also worked in the effort, and said her favorite part is “when Santa comes to town on the fire truck, seeing the kids get excited; it’s a wonderful thing to be a part of.”
“I hope to see lots of people,” Greene said.
The Town of Holden Facebook page will post updated information on events leading up to the weekend, she said, with some items just being finalized.
