Medford Christmas Festivities Kick Off This Week

Medford's holiday celebrations kick off in earnest Wednesday night with a lighting ceremony.

The Holiday Glow Celebration will take place at Medford City Hall from 4:30-7 p.m.

Officials say there will be musical performances, local food, children's activities, the Jingle Bell Festival Tree Auction, and the Lighting of City Hall. If you are in the giving spirit, there will also be a Toys for Tots Drive for new, unwrapped gifts.

The forecast is calling for rain all, but the celebration will take place rain or shine. Police are expecting an increase of area traffic.

• Read: 'Enough is Enough': Medford Officers Have Had it With Police Station Conditions

Taking pictures of Wednesday night's festivities? Email them to mike.carraggi@patch.com

Wednesday also marks the beginning of the Holiday Tree Display. The trees are donated from Medford business, organizations, and residents and will be on display in the City Council Chamber at City Hall. Trees may be viewed during the following hours:

• Wednesday, Nov 30: Noon - 8:00 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 1, Noon - 7:00 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 2, 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 3, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 4, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

On Thursday night there will be a candlelight vigil from Grace Church to City Hall. The vigil is in memory for anyone who has lost someone to addiction or suicide. Participants are encouraged to show up at Grace by 6:30 p.m. Read more here.

On Friday night the boy scouts, girl scouts, and children's' choirs will sing carols at City Hall.

There will also be two weekend tours of some of Medford's finest properties. Saturday's tour begins at 4 p.m., when the bus leaves City Hall. That will be followed by a dinner and reception at 6 at City Hall.

Sunday's tour leave City Hall at noon and is followed by raffle drawings at 4:30 p.m.

You can call 781-475-2162 or 781-789-2878 to reserve your tickets.

For more information on this week's festivities, call 781-475-2162 or visit the website.

Photos of last year's events courtesy of the Jingle Bell Festival Committee.