Trio of Tree Lightings to be Held This Weekend

A trio of tree lightings planned for this weekend is set to kick off the Christmas season, starting with the official Newtown one at Ram's Pasture Friday and then a second one in Sandy Hook Saturday and a third in Hawleyville Sunday.

The festiviities start Fri., Dec. 2 evening at Ram's Pasture in the area of Elm Drive and Borough Lane, culminating in the tree lighting at 7 p.m. and arrival of Santa.

In anticipation of the event, starting at 5 p.m. and in effect until 8 p.m., police will close down Elm Drive between Sugar Street and Borough Lane to traffic and a parking ban will be enacted in the immediate area -- on Hawley Road, Main Street between Borough Lane and Glover Avenue, Sugar Street between Main Street and Elm Drive and in the driveway adjacent to The Pleasance.

The next day starting at 4 p.m., Sandy Hook retailers and property owners will host their in the business center, featuring carolers, music, jingle bell bracelets, raffles, Santa and other activities. The tree will be lit at 6:30 p.m., though many stores will remain open well afterward. Visitors are asked to bring a donation for the FAITH food pantry.

The weekend will conclude Sunday with the town's newest tree lighting in Hawleyville, .

The event will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Hawleyville post office plaza off of Barnabas Road and will feature refreshments, songs and an appearance by Santa. Organizers also are hosting a toy drive for the Newtown Fund.