Hampton Parks and Rec Welcomes the Christmas Season

Merry Christmas!!

Hampton Parks and Recreation welcomed the Christmas season with a VERY well-attended tree lighting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 2.

Hundreds of your neighbors in the community gathered downtown at the gazebo in Marelli Square to witness the lighting of the town's Christmas tree, enjoy refreshments offered by local restaurants and organizations, sing along with songs of the season, and take a horse-drawn hay ride.

And did we say the weather was awesome and it was a beautiful night?!?

Tyler and Kaylee (they're cousins) were the lucky ones who were asked to flip the switch and light up the Christmas tree and nearby street light decorations. The tree was a beautiful sight to begin with, but once those lights went on --WOW!!

Folks enjoyed old-fashioned homemade molasses spice cookies from the Hampton Historical Society, the Old Salt's famous clam chowder and roasted chestnuts, freshly-made popcorn courtesy of the Hampton Firefighters, hot beverages from Hampton Rotary, treats from 401 Tavern and the Galley Hatch and other businesses, and chili from TNT, as well as candy canes handed out by the Hampton Lions Club.

People lined up for the hayrides (it was a lonnnng line -- and we had TWO horse-drawn wagons!) and they were on the look-out for the arrival of Santa and friends, including Pikachu, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, the Grinch, Shrek, and other colorful characters who hitched a ride to the gazebo on Hampton Rec's own 14-seat bus.

All in all it was a spectacular night, and a wonderful way to welcome Christmas to Hampton -- and make way for the Experience Hampton Christmas Parade the following day! Watch for post and pics!