The holiday season will officially kick-off in downtown Manchester on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013, with the lighting of the new Downtown Manchester Christmas Tree.
The master of ceremonies for the event, which will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., will be WTIC AM Morning Sportscaster Scott Gray. The event will also feature performances by Summit Singers, Silk City Barbershop Chorus, Ensemble from the Salvation Army Band, community carol sing, strolling costume characters, and the arrival of Santa via the town of Manchester Fire/Rescue/EMS vehicle.
The tree, which sits on the lawn of St. James Church at 896 Main St., was planted in mid-October of this year, and replaces the previous tree which was damaged in Hurricane Sandy last year.
Additional holiday events in the downtown area include (courtesy of the Downtown Manchester Special Services District):
Saturday, December 7, 2013
S.H.A.R.E. THE HOLIDAYSYou can find the holiday spirit all around Manchester! Hop aboard the free, old fashioned S.H.A.R.E. Trolley for holiday activities and fun. Look for trolley stop signs bearing the S.H.A.R.E. logo at each of the following locations. S.H.A.R.E. is a collaboration between History, Art, Recreation and Education assets located in South Manchester.
Visits with Santa - At the Mary Cheney Library, 586 Main St.11AM –1PM Visit with Santa in the Stephen Howroyd Room, Library lower level. Children visit with Santa and his reindeer, Prancer & Dancer, and enjoy holiday crafts, and cookies. Special performance by Manchester Musical Players. Enjoy a selection of traditional holiday songs while children visit with Santa. Bring your camera to capture your child’s special moment with Santa. For more info 860/645-2101www.downtownmanchester.org.
Ice Sculpting Demonstration - In Center Memorial Park Next to The Mary Cheney Library11AM-1PM Watch members of the Ice Sculpting Team from Manchester Community College Culinary Program create sculptures from blocks of ice. Ice donated by Manchester Ice & Fuel. For more info 860/645-2101 www.downtownmanchester.org.
Strolling Dickens Carolers – Center Memorial Park and Aboard the S.H.A.R.E.Trolley
11AM to 12 NOON Costumed carolers from Full Gospel Interdenominational Church share songs of the season.
¨ Gingerbread Cookie Decorating - At Lutz Children’s Museum, 247 South Main St. -
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1PM to 3PM Drop-in and decorate a gingerbread man. Explore hands-on exhibits and see live animals during the regular museum hours of 12 noon to 5PM. Lutz Children's Museum, 247 South Main Street, Manchester, CT860/643-0949 www.lutzmuseum.org
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¨ Holiday Open House - At Manchester Historical Society – 10AM to 4PM
Tour all the Society’s properties FREE to enjoy music, shopping, and family fun.
¨ Manchester History Center, 175 Pine St.
o Museum shop, Jingle Berry Artist Bazaar, gift wrapping and snacks
o New holiday ornament debut.
¨ Old Manchester Museum, 126 Cedar St.- decorated in vintage holiday style.
¨ Cheney Homestead, 106 Hartford Rd. – decorated for the holidays by the Manchester Garden Club.
Call 860/647-9983 for more information or visit www.manchesterhistory.org
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