Derby Old Fashioned Christmas, Tree Lighting Event 2025 Details Announced

DERBY, CT — The city has announced details for upcoming "old fashioned Christmas" and holiday tree lighting events scheduled to take place this weekend in Derby.

According to an announcement sent by the city, residents are invited to join the Derby Historical Society at the David Humphreys House in Ansonia on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. for a number of fun family activities, including:

• holiday arts and crafts
• gingerbread cookie decorating
• a hot cocoa bar
• letters to Santa
• stories by the fire with Mrs. Claus
• a performance by yuletide carolers

Guests are then invited to leave their cars at the Humphreys House and walk down Elm Street to the Academy Hill Road Green for a tree lighting event from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The colonial tree lighting at Founders Common is hosted by the Derby 350th Committee with additional parking options at the Derby Historical Society, Quail & Ale, behind Botti Real Estate and around the Green.

The event will feature live music by the Staven Wassailers Marching Christmas Band, a letters to Santa mailbox, hot chocolate, candy canes, a Christmas village photo area, Derby 350th merchandise and a visit from Santa Claus.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and the tree lighting will take place at 6 p.m., with guests invited to follow the band to Quail & Ale at 6:30 p.m.