Hamden Silverbells Celebration Details Announced

HAMDEN, CT — The center of Hamden will be filled with holiday lights and community merrymaking on Saturday, Dec. 3 for town’s annual Silverbells Celebration. The rain date for outdoor activities is Dec. 4.

The festivities, presented by the Hamden Arts Commission, will include carousel rides, hayrides, a puppet show, various holiday crafts, caroling, tree lighting and Santa’s arrival by fire truck. All events except for the puppet show are free.

Events begin at 2:30 pm. The Puppet People will present a version of Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, “A Christmas Carol” in the Miller Cultural Center, 2901 Dixwell Ave. The spectacular show features handcrafted marionettes, shadow puppets, lavish costumes and sets, and a giant 9-foot parade puppet. Admission is $2 children/$3 adults.

The free festivities at Town Center Park, 2761 Dixwell Ave., include:

• 2:30 pm: Hayrides, carousel rides, button-making, face painting, letters to Santa and holiday crafts provided by P.L.A.C.E. Multicultural Children’s Museum
• 3:45 pm: Caroling with the Hamden Girl Scouts
• 4:15 pm: Tree-lighting ceremony, with Mayor Curt Balzano Leng leading the countdown, followed by community caroling featuring Hamden elementary school singers.
• 4:30 pm: Santa's arrival by fire truck and visits with Santa

The Hamden Rotary Club will provide munchkins and cider. Vendors with fried dough, popcorn and hot chocolate will be on site.

Please bring an unwrapped toy for the Hamden Kids Holiday Toy Drive.

In case of heavy rain or snow, outdoor activities will be postponed to Dec. 4; indoor activities can only be held on Dec. 3. For weather information, go to hamdenartscommission.org, or call (203) 287-2546.

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