Hamden Silverbells Celebration, Tree Lighting Details Announced

HAMDEN, CT — (From Town of Hamden): Town Center Park in Hamden will be filled with holiday lights and community merrymaking on Saturday, Dec.7 for Hamden's Annual Silverbells Holiday Celebration. (Rain date for outdoor activities is Dec. 8 while the show in Thornton Wilder Hall will go on rain or shine on Dec. 7).

The festivities, presented by the Hamden Arts Commission and the Dept. of Arts and Culture, will include hayrides, a holiday-themed performance and indoor snowstorm in Thornton Wilder Hall, free holiday crafts by P.L.A.C.E Art Studio, caroling, tree lighting and Santa’s arrival by fire truck. All events except for the indoor performance are free.

Events begin at 11 a.m. inside the Miller Library and Cultural Center at 2901 Dixwell Avenue. There will be free activities in the Children’s Room from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Then, Jack Frost himself will be here to bring in the holiday season with his performance “Chillin’ for the Holidays” and in indoor snowstorm in Thornton Wilder Hall at 1 p.m. Tickets to the performance are $2 for children, $3 for adults and are available at the door only, cash only. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.

Immediately following Jack Frost, the fun continues outside at Town Center Park, 2761 Dixwell Ave. The free festivities include:

• 2 p.m.: Hayrides, button-making, face painting, letters to Santa and holiday arts and crafts by P.L.A.C.E Art Studio
• 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

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. 8; indoor activities will be held on Dec. 7. For weather information, go to hamdenartscommission.org, or call (203) 287-2546.