The dates are set for Wilton’s annual Holiday Celebrations.
Wilton Chamber of Commerce Holiday Stroll Kicks Off Holiday Season Dec. 1
The Town of Wilton will kick off Holiday Season celebrations with the annual Holiday Stroll on Friday, Dec. 1, and residents are invited to join Santa Claus and first selectman Lynne Vanderslice at the event, hosted by the Wilton Chamber of Commerce. The stroll begins at 5:30 p.m..
Santa and Vanderslice will make their way into Wilton Center on a red sleigh, ushered by the Wilton Fire Department, to light the town Christmas tree at the Gazebo in the center of town. Musical entertainment is planned with the Wilton High School band and Sarah Lee Michaels‘ The Voice Studio carolers.
Santa won’t head back to the North Pole immediately; instead, he’ll stay to hear from children of all ages who want to share their wish lists, and he’ll have a special treat for each child.
Revelers are invited to continue celebrating the evening’s festivities with Wilton’s retailers, restaurants and local businesses. Families are invited to stroll through town, and to visit, shop and enjoy the generous hospitality of these local businesses, which open their doors and offer good things to eat and drink in addition to plentiful shopping options. This year the festivities are extended past just one night, as for the first time the Chamber will be handing out certificates to Holiday Stroll attendees that will be accepted at participating businesses for holiday shopping specials through the weekend.
Among the Wilton businesses that have signed on already to participate are Open House Gift Shop, B-Chic, Coldwell Banker, Halstead Property, Wilton Hardware, the Wilton Library and, of course, the Wilton Chamber of Commerce. More are expected to take part, and the final list will be announced closer to the event.
Also making a return is the town sponsored bonfire and marshmallow roast at Schenck’s Island, beginning at 6:30 p.m..
The Holiday Stroll is a rain or shine event. In the event of inclement weather, Santa will arrive at the Wilton Library Association at 5:30 p.m., where he will remain until 7:30 p.m..
Wilton Community Menorah Lighting on the Town Green
The Schneerson Center of CT will return to host Wilton’s Annual Community Menorah Lighting for the festival of Hanukkah, on Wednesday, Dec. 13, The public is invited to join the festivities on the Town Green as the giant menorah is lit by Rabbi Levi Stone with help from town officials, most usually including first selectwoman Lynne Vanderslice. The event will also include live holiday music, Hanukkah gelt, donuts, potato latkes and dreidels, and is a family-friendly evening geared to all ages and the entire community.
This year, Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, begins on the evening of December 12. The holiday celebrates the victory of the Jewish Maccabees over the Greek Syrian oppressors in the land of Israel and the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. Although the Maccabees had only one day’s supply of olive oil to keep the flame of the Temple’s Eternal Light lit, it miraculously lasted eight full days until new oil was obtained. Thus, Hanukkah is celebrated for eight consecutive days with the lighting of one candle the first night and increasing each night with an additional light until all eight are lit, as a symbol of always looking to increase light and goodness.
The event will begin at 6 p.m.. It is free and open to all to attend. For more information call 203.635.4118 or visit the Schneerson Center website.