Spirit of the Season launch in Darien

Darien Kicks Off the “Spirit of the Season” Celebration with Lights, Music, and Community Cheer

Darien, CT — The holidays are about to shine a little brighter in Darien. Again, the Darien Chamber of Commerce, Darien Parks & Recreation, and the Darien Sport Shop are teaming up to present the “Spirit of the Season”—a festive series of community events that capture the warmth, generosity, and togetherness of the holidays.

The celebration begins on Saturday, November 29th, when downtown Darien transforms into a twinkling wonderland for Shop Small Business Saturday. Residents are invited to stroll beneath the glow of holiday lights that adorn our lamp posts and support local businesses that make Darien’s shopping scene so special. The day is part of a national movement dedicated to shopping small and keeping communities strong—a perfect way to start the season with both joy and purpose.

The following day, Sunday, November 30th, brings one of Darien’s most beloved traditions—the Annual Tree Lighting at the Darien Sport Shop. From 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., families can gather for holiday music, steaming cups of hot chocolate provided by the Boy Scouts, and candy canes from Darien Parks & Recreation. The highlight of the evening is when Santa himself rolls in on a firetruck, delighting children and adults alike as the tree lights up the night sky.

The holiday spirit continues December 6th with An Old fashion Holiday at Tilley Pond Park. Join Darien’s Parks & Recreation to enjoy caroling with the DHS Tutor Singers, crafts, cookie decorating, a holiday market, ice sculptures and photo opportunities.⁠ Channukah Celebration and Menorah Lighting takes place Wednesday, December 17th, at Grove Street Plaza. The Menorah Lighting will feature the lighting, festive songs, kids’ crafts, delicious treats, and giveaways. Each night of Channukah, a different Jewish Darien family will help light the menorah at 6:00 p.m., sharing the season’s light and joy with the entire community. In keeping with the spirit of giving, attendees of the Channukah Celebration are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to benefit Open Doors Shelter in Norwalk, helping local families in need enjoy a brighter holiday season.

For the youngest residents, Santa’s Letter Box offers a special way to connect with the North Pole. Letters to Santa can be dropped off at the Darien Sport Shop or the Darien Parks & Recreation Office at Town Hall through December 10th to ensure a timely reply before Christmas.

With twinkling lights, holiday music, and moments of community connection, Darien’s Spirit of the Season promises to make this year’s holiday celebrations merry and meaningful for all. For more details, visit www.darienctchamber.com or follow the Darien Chamber of Commerce on social media for event updates and announcements @darienctchamber.