At this time of year, the switch to the next holiday is always quick.
So while you may be reading this prior to Thanksgiving, once the calendar turns to Friday, it’s on to Christmas.
And nothing quite says Christmas like a good, old-fashioned tree lighting.
It’s a time honored tradition in many towns and cities across New Hampshire and beyond, and you can count Concord, Bow and Penacook in that group.
Over the next week, each community will flip the switch on those twinkling lights in a central spot in town to usher in another holiday season. And all of you are invited.
Santa will be busy, making three stops in the area in less than a week, but that’s just what the big guy does this time of year. He can rest on Dec. 26.
Concord
The lighting of the downtown area in Concord dates back many, many years, and this Friday is the time to gather around the large 30-foot tree in City Plaza to see the lights come on for the first time.
The festivities for the 30th annual tree lighting begin at 4 p.m. and include a lot of special stuff for Concordians of all ages.
There will be horse drawn wagon rides, pony rides and a pettng zoo. These are free, but a $1 donation is asked for each of them to help defray the costs, and proceeds will benefit several charities for boys and girls to receive gifts this year.
The Brian Waldron Band will entertain the masses with an array of Christmas classics from a stage in front of the Franklin Pierce monument.
There will be a special tree in Eagle Square, adorned with white lights and a blue and red star, dedicated to the Armed Forces who can’t be home for the holidays.
Santa Claus will make his grand entrance, courtesy of the Concord Fire Department at 5 p.m. He will be talking to boys and girls to hear all their Christmas wishes.
Bow
On Sunday, the town of Bow will turn Rotary Park and its gazebo into a winter wonderland with the annual tree lighting.
The evening will run from 5 to 6:30 p.m., and while the tree lighting is the main attraction, there will be lots going on.
Santa will make his second trip to the area in three days, where he will be brought in by fire truck and take up residence in the gazebo to visit with children.
There will be crafts, cookies, s’mores, hot cocoa and more.
Don’t forget to dress warm as it is late November and this event does take place outside. Bring a canned good or two for the Bow Food Pantry. Overflow parking will be at Bow Memorial School, with school bus transportation to the event.
Penacook
Not to be forgotten, Penacook is hosting its 11th annual tree lighting next Wednesday (Nov. 30), and like the previous two in Concord and Bow, it will be fun for the whole family, starting at 6 p.m.
In additon to the tree being lit in Boudreau Square, there will be cookies and treats to enjoy. The Penacook Elementary School singers will serenade the audience, conducted by Elaine Hashem.
And you guessed it – Santa will be back for another visit, so make sure you think of what you want to ask for this year.
Insider staff
