Towns to kick off the holidays

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Ciara Spears of Naugatuck takes a moment to think about what she wants for Christmas while sitting on Santa’s lap last year during Naugatuck’s10th annual Holiday Kickoff on the Town Green. The towns of Naugatuck, Beacon Falls and Prospect will kick off the holiday season with upcoming events. –FILE PHOTO
Ciara Spears of Naugatuck takes a moment to think about what she wants for Christmas while sitting on Santa’s lap last year during Naugatuck’s10th annual Holiday Kickoff on the Town Green. The towns of Naugatuck, Beacon Falls and Prospect will kick off the holiday season with upcoming events. –FILE PHOTO

The towns of Beacon Falls, Naugatuck and Prospect will get in the holiday spirit this weekend with activities to usher in the season.

Beacon Hose Company No. 1 will host its annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Bonfire starting at 4 p.m. Sunday. (The event was originally scheduled for Saturday but postponed due to the forecast for rain.) The event begins at Beacon Falls Town Hall, 10 Maple Ave., followed by a procession around the Hill section of town with stops at various landmarks for lightings and caroling. The first stop will be St. Michael’s Church, then Beacon Falls Congregational Church and ending at the Tracy Lewis House on Wolfe Avenue.

A bonfire will be held at the Tracy Lewis House with free hot chocolate, coffee and hot dogs. Hayrides will also be available.

Naugatuck will get the holidays started at its 11th annual Holiday Kickoff.

The event is Monday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on the Town Green on Church Street. The rain date is Tuesday. The evening will include hayrides, refreshments and holiday music. Santa Claus will also be at the Green for children to visit with. Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman will make special appearances as well.

A photographer will be on hand to take photos with Santa for $5 or people can bring their own cameras. Residents are also invited to bring an ornament to decorate the town’s Christmas tree.

In addition to the traditional Christmas tree, the town will also decorate a military tree dedicated to members of the military. All are welcome to hang an ornament on the military tree to honor military members.

There is no admission for the event, but residents are asked to bring a non-perishable food donation for the Naugatuck Ecumenical Food Bank.

Prospect will ring in the holidays with a parade and tree lighting Sunday.

The Christmas Light Parade starts at 5 p.m. in front of Community School and the Prospect Resident State Trooper’s office on Center Street.

Prospect Mayor Robert Chatfield said everyone is invited to decorate their vehicle with wreaths, lights, or whatever represents their holiday, and take part in the parade.

The parade is sponsored by the Prospect Volunteer Fire Department.

“They decorate their fire apparatus with lights and Santas,” Chatfield said.

The parade will go down Route 69 to Old Schoolhouse Road and back up to the Green, Chatfield said.

Following the parade there will be a tree lighting ceremony in front of Town Hall.

“We are hoping for a crisp clear night and no snow,” Chatfield said.