Holiday Lights, Festivals And Celebrations Fill The Madison Calendar

MADISON, CT — With Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa festivities filling the December calendar, the problem may be deciding which events in Madison to attend.

Outside these religious and cultural celebrations, there are plenty of holiday light shows, parades, fairs and festivals to attend in and around Madison. Here are some to consider:

Celebrate the season from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, on the Madison Town Green for the Tree Lighting event, hosted by Madison Beach and Recreation. The event is free and open to the public.

"This festive evening promises fun for the whole family!" said First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons.

Highlights Include:

• Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: Enjoy a complimentary loop around the historic Town Green from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
• Welcome Remarks: Our First Selectwoman will kick off the festivities with opening remarks at 6:00 PM.
• Live Music: Enjoy a vocal performance by America's oldest underclassmen a capella group, The Yale Spizzwinks, starting at approximately 6:15 PM.
• Hot Cocoa: Provided by Madison's own Boy Scout Troop 490 to help keep you warm and festive.
• Smornaments: From Madison's own Smorstix — available on a first come first serve basis, while supplies last
• Special Appearance by Santa: Arriving in customary fashion transported by his friends from Madison Hose Company No. 1 at approximately 7:00 PM!

Also, here are places to see Santa in and around Madison, and here are Madison-area toy drives.

As you plan your calendar, here are some key dates to consider:

• Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods, begins at sundown on Dec. 14 and continues until sundown on Dec. 22. The dates vary every year.

• Christmas, of course, is always Dec. 25.

• Kwanzaa, a weeklong celebration primarily held in the United States to honor African heritage and African-American culture, is observed from Dec. 26-Jan. 1, culminating with gift-giving and a lavish feast. The dates of this holiday do not change.