Braintree Holiday Season Begins: Tree Lighting, Craft Fair, More

BRAINTREE, MA — Braintree will kick off its holiday season this weekend with a Christmas tree lighting, a craft fair and other festive events.

Mayor Charles Kokoros said the town's annual Christmas tree lighting will be at 4 p.m., Saturday, at Town Hall. All residents are welcome to gather on the Town Hall Mall to enjoy hot chocolate and other holiday treats before the tree lighting at 5 p.m.

Also, on Saturday is Braintree police's annual Fill-a-Cruiser Holiday Toy Drive. The toy drive is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside town hall. In partnership with Brewster Ambulance, police are asking for new unwrapped toys that will be given to the Marge Crispin Center for distribution to Braintree families in need. If you are unable to attend the toy drive, toy donations can be dropped at the Braintree Police Department until Dec. 9.

On Sunday, the Gardner's Guild of Braintree is hosting a holiday boutique at Town Hall. The craft fair is open to all residents and goes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sheriff Patrick McDermott and the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office will also hold “Holiday Happenings” events at the Braintree Public Safety Complex at 2015 Washington St. The events will take place on Dec. 3, Dec. 10 and Dec. 17. The events include crafts, games and a visit from Santa.

The sheriff's office will also collect non-perishable food to help people in need this holiday season. All "Holiday Happenings events are from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.