Chelmsford revels in holiday prelude, tree-lighting

Margaret Smith
Wicked Local

CHELMSFORD -- The Town Common glowed with colorful lights on Sunday evening, and songs and joyous shouts filled the air as merrymakers tall and small waited in anticipation for an audience with Santa. 

The occasion was the town's Holiday Prelude and Tree-Lighting, held Dec. 5, and back in person after a virtual program last year.

Chelmsford held its annual Holiday Prelude and Tree Lighting Ceremony in Chelmsford Center, Dec. 5, 2021. As he walked down the sidewalk, two year old Kade Basile, of Pepperell, stopped to talk with "Piney" the pine tree.

The festivities are organized by the Holiday Decorating Committee, with support from community groups, local businesses, and many volunteers.

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Among those waiting in line for a ride on the horse-dragon wagons was Matthew Mulrooney of Chelmsford, his son, Adam, 6, and daughter, Matilda, 4.

Two year old Emmett McCarthy, of Chelmsford, looked around District No. 1 School as he wore a handmade beard for the Holiday Prelude and Tree Lighting Ceremony in Chelmsford Center, Dec. 5, 2021.

"We've come to see Santa," Mulrooney said. "That's the most important thing to do."

Joanna Rojas, of Chelmsford, brought her sons C.J., 8, and Eliot, 6. "We come every year," Rojas said. 

More merriment

Mindy's Mission will present a Jingle Ball military appreciation event, Dec. 11, 6-11 p.m. at the Franco-American Club, 55 West Prescott St., Westford. Tickets are $10; free to veterans and military personnel. Proceeds benefit the Adopt-a-Veteran program. 

To learn more, visit mindysmission.org.

After working his way through the crowd to his seat, Santa greeted the families gathered to greet him during Chelmsford's Holiday Prelude and Tree Lighting Ceremony in Chelmsford Center, Dec. 5, 2021.

The Chelmsford Community Band will hold a holiday concert Dec. 12, 2 p.m. at the McCarthy Middle School, 250 North Road, Chelmsford. The suggested donation is $10 adults, $5 children and seniors.

Masks are required inside the building. To learn more, visit chelmsfordcommunityband.com.

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