Today: Marlborough Tree Lighting Ceremony At Union Common

MARLBOROUGH, MA — Following a pandemic hiatus, Marlborough's annual holiday tree lighting ceremony will take place on Friday.

The "Home for the Holidays" celebration at Union Common will include a visit from Santa Claus will visit on a Marlborough fire truck, the Marlborough High School choir and free hot chocolate and popcorn provided by the parks department.

"Each year the holiday spirit comes alive as our community gathers for the Home for the Holidays, Tree Lighting event on Union Common," Mayor Arthur Vigeant said in a news release Wednesday. "This was one of a few beloved city traditions that we weren’t able to celebrate last year due to the pandemic. I am proud it is back and look forward to joining many of our residents to light up our beautiful common."

The event will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday. Other attractions include a petting zoo with barn animals, and a musical performance by Marlborough High School alumni.

Where is Marlborough's Christmas tree from?

According to Marlborough Tree Warden Christopher White, the city historically used a tree donated by a city resident. Each year, the forestry department would cut the tree down, drill a hole in Union Common and set the tree in place.

About 30 years ago, White said, the city went looking for a more permanent solution. The city located a 16-foot Colorado blue spruce through Bigelow's Nursery. That tree stood year-round for about 25 years before it began to die. The city replaced it with a 20-foot Douglas fir tree from Acorn's Tree Nursery in Boxborough.

The city planted the fir three years ago, which means that this will be only its second in-person holiday event in Marlborough.