CONCORD, NH — Concord's Christmas tree lighting will be held during Midnight Merriment this year, with Intown Concord hosting both events downtown on Dec. 4.
Midnight Merriment is scheduled from 5 p.m. to midnight, and the tree lighting is set for 5:30 p.m. at City Plaza, where Santa will lead the countdown, according to Intown Concord.
Midnight Merriment is returning for its 33rd year. The org said shoppers and visitors can expect downtown businesses, holiday lights, and seasonal activities as the event marks the start of the holiday season in Concord.
The tree lighting had previously been held the Friday after Thanksgiving, organized for decades by the late Dick Patten, a city councilor and state Representative from the Heights. The Grange continued organizing the lighting and parade since Patten passed away, with instrumental assistance from Brian Blackden and other city elves. The Grange dissolved earlier this year, donating all its leftover proceeds to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on Loudon Road.
Intown Concord will host the tree lighting going forward, while the Eagles Club will host the Christmas Parade in 2027. Because of these changes, however, the parade will not be held this year.
Midnight Merriment will also include free s'mores, hot cocoa, music, and other activities downtown. There will be no fireworks or horse-and-buggy rides this year. Organizers said some parts of the past tree lighting event will be considered in future years.
A new holiday trolley is also planned from 5 to 9 p.m.
The trolley will loop from Kimball Jenkins to The League of NH Craftsman Gallery, with stops along Main Street at the New Hampshire State House and Arts Alley.
Santa photos will take place at Arts Alley.
More information about Midnight Merriment and the tree lighting is available at intownconcord.org.
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