holidays!

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Posted

A time-honored event returns to High Falls when the community gathers to celebrate the 2018 High Falls-Marbletown Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The beloved seasonal ritual takes place from 5:30-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, all along Second Street in High Falls, right off Route 213. Atmospheric fire pits will illuminate Second Street for the safety of all. Emcee for the evening of holiday-themed diversions is the dapper Edward Schoelwer of High Falls. Entertainment will include sing-along caroling led by local schoolchildren, featuring the Rondout Valley High School Brass Ensemble. There will be free hot soup, provided by two local restaurants, the High Falls Café and Kitchenette. This year, the holiday tree will be illuminated by more than 3,000 lights.

There will be Christmas recitations by Kate Hurd and Ed Morris. The highlight of the event will be a visit from Santa, arriving on the High Falls Fire Department fire truck.

Also included will be the illumination of a Hanukkah menorah. After the festivities, all assembled are invited to the Community Church of High Falls, at the corner of Mohonk and Firehouse roads, for hot chocolate and cookies. 

This annual tradition is brought to you by the High Falls Civic Association, which holds numerous community events all year-round. The ceremony is free and open to all.

All attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots charity.

The High Falls Civic Association meets the first Wednesday every month at 6 p.m. at different local spots and welcomes new members and volunteers. For more information, visit highfallscivic.org.