Brookline's 2019 First Light: Photos And A Thank You

BROOKLINE, MA — More than two decades ago First Light began as a way for Washington Square businesses to bring a little holiday spirit and call attention to their shops and get folks to consider doing their holiday shopping locally at the area small businesses. This year, some four dozen businesses participated.

The name is a bit of a play on First Night held to celebrate New Years, but is an attempt to highlight the first holiday decorations.

"First Light Holiday Celebration 2019 was great fun," said Debbie Miller, of the Brookline Chamber of Commerce, which helps put the event together.

More than 45 businesses - from Coolidge Corner, Brookline Village, Washington Square, St. Mary’s, and JFK Crossing - opened their doors and welcomed the public for music; dance performances; hand-made chocolate, pizza samples, wine and cheese; freshly baked donuts and bread; hot chocolate; hot apple cider; face painting; an American Ninja obstacle course; balloon art; puppet shows; arts and craft activities; meet and greets with Bear the Brookline Police's new Comfort Dog; sing-alongs; and giveaway glow in the dark toys.

"Like swarms of bees, hundreds of kids flew by with battery operated glow in the dark spinning pinwheels," said Miller of the night.

Brookline Bank, Capital One, Commercial Cleaning, Goldfish Swim School, Gravestar, Sprint, Unlimited Sotheby’s and Wicked Local contributed to the event in order to make it happen, according to the chamber.

Miller tipped her hat to Chamber of Commerce Board Members and Town of Brookline volunteers. "Thank you, to Klara Kaufman, Chamber Communications & Operations Manager, for exceptional 'air traffic control' on all fronts. Special accolades to participating businesses!"

Miller stressed the importance of shopping locally this holiday season if folks want to see mom and pop businesses in town thrive.

"Brookline businesses go the extra mile to make our Town great," she said. "This Holiday Season please check your gift list boxes by making your food, beverage, activity, service, entertainment, toys, clothing, books, and home goods purchases in our community."

Participating businesses included:

Brookline Village: Art With Amy, Brothers & Sisters, Boston School of Boabom, Brookline Bank, Curds & Co, Feet of Clay, Gateway Arts, Goldfish Swim School, Henry Bear's Park, Public Library of Brookline, Puppet Showplace Theater, Serenade Chocolatier, The Children's Book Shop, The Golden Chickpea, The Village Works.

Coolidge Corner:

Brookline Bank, Brookline Booksmith, Capital One, Century Bank, Eureka Puzzles, Fire Opal, JP Licks, Knight Moves, L'Accent Women's Fashion, Lord's & Lady's Salon, Magic Beans, Oath Pizza, Olive Connection, Paris Creperie, Party Favors, Rise Realty LLC, Sprint, The Courtyard by Marriott Brookline, The Makery, Unlimited Sotheby's International Realty, Viking Sports, When Pigs Fly, Wild Goose Chase, Webster Bank.

JFK Crossing and Saint Mary's:

Clear Flour Bread, Union Square Donuts, Whole Foods Market.

Washington Square:

Golden Temple, Livite, Marathon Sports, TD Bank, Vinodivino.