Light Displays, Visits With Santa Highlight Vernon's Holiday Season

VERNON, CT — Vernon's holiday season. officially kicks off Friday with the annual Winterfest celebration.

Winterfest is set to begin at 5:45 p.m. in Central Park in front of Vernon Town Hall. This year's event will feature the Rockville High School band and chorus, the lighting of the holiday tree in Central Park and the snowflake on Fox Hill Tower, a parade with decorated fire trucks from several communities, the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus and the opening of the Santa House, where children can visit with jolly old St. Nick.

The holiday light display at Henry Park will also be open.

'Winterfest is an opportunity for our community to come together for a free, family-friendly event to kick off the holiday season," Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. "It's an especially magical experience for kids, who can enjoy the fun of the decorated fire trucks, the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus and the lighting of the tree and snowflake."

People begin gathering in Central Park about 5:45 p.m. to sing carols and listen to the high school performers. The parade travels from East Main Street to West Main Street to Central Park. The mayor will lead the lighting of the tree and the snowflake. After the tree lighting, sugar cookies and apple cider will be served at Town Hall. Candy canes will also be handed out.

The holiday light display at Henry Park will be illuminated from 5 to 10 p.m. each day through the holiday season with no admission charge.