HOLYOKE — Carousel rides, a glowing tree and carols will mark the beginning of the holiday season at City Hall on Dec. 6.
The annual Christmas tree lighting and Parade of Lights begins at 3 p.m. with free carousel rides on the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, photos with holiday characters and balloon art, organizers said.
The fun heads indoors for treats and tunes. There will be hot chocolate, cookies and popcorn while the Holyoke High School Bell Choir and the High School Madrigal Choir perform around 5 p.m.
An hour later, families can gather on the City Hall lawn with Mayor Joshua A. Garcia. Then, PeoplesBank will flip a switch to light the Christmas tree — the signal for the parade to begin.
Christmas on High Street
The holiday fun continues the next day on Dec. 7 with Christmas on High Street.
The free, family-friendly event runs from noon to 5 p.m. outside 414 High St. and includes food, music, entertainment and a toy donation drive, organizers said.
Organizers encourage residents to spread holiday cheer by donating toys at these locations, Deja-vu Nightspot, 414 High St.; City Pizza, 420 High St.; Cuba Supermarket, 439 High St.; Holyoke Health Center, 230 Maple St.; Holyoke Nutrition, 331 High St.; Holyoke City Hall, 536 Dwight St.; and Dunn & Phillips, 185 and 198 Belmont Ave., Springfield.
