Southington's Big Christmas Celebration: What You Need To Know

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Southington's beloved town green will transform into something straight from the Polar Express movie with the annual "Bright Lights Christmas Festival" on Friday, Dec. 1.

From 5:30 to 8 p.m., the green and the area around the green will be chock of fun, festive family activities ... all with a holiday theme.

In addition, all sorts of sweet Christmas treats will be available, including the Barnes Museum's hot chocolate bar.

The centerpiece for all the fun is the annual lighting of the Christmas tree and surrounding features on the green, an annual rite of the season that is a huge Southington tradition.

Part of that tradition involves the winner of an annual contest to determine who will flip the switch.

Getting the honors this year is Southington resident Charlotte Rusate, 5, who won the Southington Recreation Department's "Light Up The Green" contest.

According to recreation officials, the switch will be flipped by Rusate at about 5:30 p.m., which will officially kick off the holiday season in Southington.

Local officials did say that Friday's festivities could be postponed due to weather and folks should "stay tuned" for any updates via the town's Facebook page.