Holiday Tree Lighting Brings Cheer To Greenwich Town Hall

GREENWICH, CT — Holiday cheer filled the air as residents gathered outside Town Hall for the annual holiday tree lighting. The family event took place Friday evening, during which children got to spend time with jolly old Saint Nick himself.

The event began with a performance from Greenwich High School choir students, who sang several Christmas carols and classic holiday songs.

Joe Faraci and his son, Lucas, who made a trip up from Port Chester, N.Y., to see the tree lighting, enjoyed some complimentary hot chocolate as they listened to the choir's performance.

"This such a great event," Joe Faraci said. "We're having a good time, and there are a lot of families out here, so that's great."

Mandy Trayer said she had never attended the tree lighting before, but was happy she decided to come this year.

"It's a fun event for families and kids," Trayer said.

First Selectman Fred Camillo took time to thank everyone for coming to the annual event, his first since being elected to the town's top position in November. He also thanked the town's Parks and Recreation department for "the team effort" it takes to pull off the event.

"For all you little kids [in attendance], I did speak with Santa a little while ago and, good news, he's coming to Connecticut first this year," Camillo said to the crowd, "but he doesn't know what time he's coming to Greenwich, so you'll still have to go to bed early."

Kids also had an opportunity to ride Storm, a mechanical reindeer, or Jake, a "Siberian tiger," thanks to Safari Rides & Photos, a Wallingford company the supplies ride-on walking animals for parties and events.

Bob Meyer, one of the chief "safari guides," said they have been attending the tree lighting since 2004.

"It's a family affair," Meyer said. "It's something that parents and children can do together, and you know we need more of that today."