Burlington Tree Lighting On The Common Saturday At 4

BURLINGTON, MA — Holiday events in Burlington kick into gear this weekend, with the annual tree lighting on the common Saturday. The town's event will feature "games, activities, treats, special guests, fireworks and more," according to the event page. "Breakfast with Santa" and "Santa Calling" both come next week. Other holiday events at Burlington Mall are also ongoing.

The tree lighting is 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday. Breakfast with Santa, Sunday, is sold out, but will be from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn. Santa Calling is Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 10 to 11. Residents can sign up at burlingtonrecreation.org to have Santa call their children from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

The mall also has extensive holiday events planned. The below listing is from a press release:

Simon® Santa Photo Experience
Through Monday, December 24th
Santa's Winter Wonderlights (Lower Level)
Children and their families can experience the joy and magic of the holiday season with a visit to the Simon® Santa Photo Experience at his NEW Winter Wonderlights home. Families are welcome to visit Santa for photos in his spectacular new home while they make magical memories this season. For a complete list of Santa's photo hours visit: https://www.simon.com/mall/burlington-mall/news-and-events or Simon Guest Services. Save time, avoid the line with Santa FastPass! Now you can reserve your magical moment with Santa online by visiting www.simonsanta.com (photo packages and pricing vary). Visitors can get more information at the Santa set.

Mix104.1FM's Karson & Kennedy's 10,000 Toys for Girls & Boys to benefit Toys for Tots
Sunday, December 8th – 12:00 – 2:00p.m.
Center Court, Lower Level
Mix104.1FM's Karson & Kennedy will be onsite near Santa's new Winter Wonderlights home for 'Karson & Kennedy's 10,000 Toys for Girls & Boys!' to benefit Boston-area Toys for Tots. Karson & Kennedy fans, as well as shoppers who are at Burlington Mall during the collection dates and times, are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to help make a local child's holiday wish come true!

Pet Photo Nights with Santa
Sunday, December 15th – 7:30 – 9:00p.m.
Sunday, December 22nd – 7:30 – 9:00p.m.
Santa's Winter Wonderlights (Lower Level)
The popular Pet Photo Nights add a magical element to visiting with Santa, as many pet owners view their pets as important members of the family. Pets will have a turn to visit with Santa on Sundays in November and December at his new Winter Wonderlights home. Pet Photo Nights are hosted after the mall closes and the set gets an extensive cleaning following the event to remove any potential risk to allergy sufferers.
*NO RESERVATIONS NECESSARY*
*All pets must be leashed or crated and must enter and exit the mall through the mall entrance between Nordstrom and Johnny Rockets.*

Caring Santa
Sunday, December 8th – 9:00 – 10:30a.m.
Santa's Winter Wonderlights (Lower Level)
Caring Santa provides a sensory-friendly environment for families of children with special needs, to safely experience the time-honored tradition and magic of Santa. This is an event dedicated to providing families a subdued and welcoming environment as many steps are taken to reduce sensory triggers, creating a more comforting environment for the children's magical visit with Santa. Caring Santa events have expanded from seven Simon malls in 2011 to 111 Simon malls today, reflecting the positive impact of this unique program. Guests can find more information at www.simon.com/caringsanta.

Hanukkah Celebration
Sunday, December 22nd – 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Primark Court, Lower Level
This festive celebration and Menorah lighting will take place with the Chabad Center for Jewish Life of Arlington-Belmont with Rabbi Avi Bukiet. There will be arts & crafts, small bites including donuts and latkes, show and more!

Burlington Mall Hosts Annual Wish Tree to Support Burlington's People Helping People
Through Wednesday, Dec. 11
Lord & Taylor Wing, Upper Level
Burlington Mall will host the annual Holiday Wish Tree to support People Helping People. The Wish Tree has been a staple at the mall over the holidays for over 40 years. It is a way for local residents to help families in need within the community during the holiday season.
· Shoppers choose a Wish card displayed on the volunteer table
· A People Helping People volunteer will transfer the information from the Wish card onto an ornament
· After the wish has been fulfilled, shoppers return the ornament along with the wish item to the People Helping People table by 8:00p.m., on Wednesday, December 11th
· The ornament will then be added to the People Helping People Christmas tree on display on the Upper Level of the Lord & Taylor wing

Teen Challenge Charity Giftwrap
Through Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24th
Near Lord & Taylor (Lower Level)

Red Kettle Drive with Salvation Army
Now – Tuesday, December 24th
Food Court Entrance (near Legal Sea Foods), Lord & Taylor Entrance, Macy's Entrance

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.