Finding The Joy: Branford Celebrates Holidays With Reindeer Route

BRANFORD, CT - Saying it’s long been a tradition to kick-off the holiday season with the annual tree-lighting on the Town Green, officials conceded that given the coronavirus pandemic, and noting that Connecticut is seeing dramatic spikes in COVID-19 cases, the celebration will be virtual this year.

“While we won’t be coming together for colorful floats, caroling, holiday music, and children patiently awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus ‘Coming to Town,’ we will host a virtual event,” a joint statement from First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove and parks and recreation director Alex Palluzzi, reads.

The plan is for a virtual tree lighting Dec. 1 which will be aired on BCTV Live on Facebook.
And, the town hopes folks will participate in ‘Holiday Light-Up Branford,’ where residents and business owners are encouraged to decorate for the holidays and be part of the house and business-decorating event, ‘Reindeer Route.’

People who wish to be added to the route may can register their house or business to be viewed along a mapped out route beginning and ending on the Town Green.

There’s also a full slate of holiday events scheduled by the town’s Parks and Recreation Department beginning Wednesday.

For information on all events, and to register for the Reindeer Route, visit the parks and rec website here.