Berlin Goes Full Throttle On Holiday Fun

BERLIN, CT — Local residents in the coming days and weeks will see their town become a Christmas wonderland, with plenty of events to enjoy the yuletide spirit.

They include:

• The Town of Berlin Fire Departments are hosting a community tree-lighting ceremony and accompanying festivities on Saturday, Nov. 25, from 4:30 to 6:30 P.M. on Main Street.

This free event traditionally happens on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend and marks the unofficial start of the local holiday season.

• Meanwhile, on Monday, Nov. 27, and Tuesday, Nov. 28, Santa Claus himself will be at the Berlin Community Center, 230 Kensington Road, Berlin, for special visits with local youngsters.

Hosted by the Berlin Parks and Recreation Department, Santa's visit is from 6 to 7:30 p.m. both days with children in preschool, kindergarten, first grade, and second-grade.

Free goodie bags will be available as will pictures with Santa.

All that is asked is that visitors bring non-perishable food donations to the local food pantry.

• Area residents are being asked to participate in the 2023 Holiday House Decorating Contest courtesy of the Berlin Parks and Recreation Department.

On Dec. 11, recreational department "elves" will be traveling around town to judge contest entries.

But in order to be eligible for prizes, contestants have until that day to complete their decorating jobs and register with the town by Dec. 8.

Winners will be announced on Dec. 18 on the Town of Berlin's Facebook page.

To register for the house decorating contest, do so via the department's WebTrac feature or call the department at 860-828-7009.