Hamden Silverbells Celebration Details Announced

HAMDEN, CT — (Contributed article): Town Center Park in Hamden will be filled with holiday lights and community merrymaking on Saturday, Dec. 1 for Hamden's Annual Silverbells Holiday Celebration. (Rain date for outdoor activities is Dec. 2nd while the show in Thornton Wilder Hall will go on rain or shine on Dec. 1). The festivities, presented by the Hamden Arts Commission and the Dept. of Arts and Culture, will include hayrides, a holiday dance party and sing-along, musical puppet parade, various holiday crafts, caroling, holiday vendor market, tree lighting and Santa’s arrival by fire truck. All events except for the dance party/sing-along and vendor market are free.

Events begin at 11 a.m. inside the Miller Library and Cultural Center at 2901 Dixwell Avenue. There will be face painting and balloon animals in the Children’s Room from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and puppet making from 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Then Boogie Chillun will get everyone warmed up with a holiday dance party and sing-along in Thornton Wilder Hall at 2:30. Tickets to the dance party/sing-along are $2 for children, $3 for adults and are available at the door only, cash only. Doors open at 2 p.m. The show will feature holiday favorites and songs to make you want to dance and sing.

Immediately following Boogie Chillun’, the new Holiday Puppet Parade will lead the crowd out to Town Center Park for the festivities on the field. Bring a holiday themed puppet, make one in the Library between 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. or dress as your favorite holiday character to march along with us.

The Silverbells Celebration will also feature the return of the “Holiday Market” featuring local treats, prepared foods, local meats and cheeses, baking supplies, specialty products, and handmade crafts. Additionally, residents will be able to purchase holiday trees, wreaths, and the special edition 2017 Town of Hamden Ornament.

Current Market vendors include: Young’s Long Range Farm, Whole G Bakery, Sugar Cupcakery & Bakery, Consiglio’s Restaurant, Spuds Your Way, Sultan Kebab, the Belgian Waffle Bus, Holiday Tree & Wreath Sales, Activities by the Hamden Youth Services Bureau and Holiday Ornaments by the Hamden Recreation Dept. Additional vendors may still be added.

At Town Center Park, 2761 Dixwell Ave., the free festivities include:

2 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Holiday Vendor Market

2:30 p.m.: Hayrides, button-making, face painting, letters to Santa and holiday arts and crafts

3:30 p.m.: **NEW** Puppet Parade from Miller Cultural Complex to Town Center Park

3:45 p.m.: Caroling with the Hamden Girl Scouts

4:15 p.m.: Tree-lighting ceremony, with Mayor Curt Balzano Leng leading the countdown, followed by community caroling featuring Hamden elementary school singers.

4:30 p.m.: Santa's arrival by fire truck and visits with Santa

The Hamden Rotary Club will provide refreshments. Vendors with fried dough, popcorn and hot chocolate will be on site.

Please bring an unwrapped toy for the Hamden Kids Holiday Toy Drive.

In case of heavy rain or snow, outdoor activities will be postponed to Dec. 2; indoor activities will be held on Dec. 1. For weather information, go to hamdenartscommission.org, or call (203) 287-2546.

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