Worcester 2020 Tree Lighting Virtual, But Santa Will Still Attend

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester has canceled the typical holiday season events at the oval behind City Hall, but officials have now set a date for a virtual celebration ahead of Christmas and Hanukkah.

In early December, city officials will host a virtual tree lighting that will be broadcast on local TV — and Santa Claus has been confirmed as a guest.

Several weeks ago, city officials announced the 2020 in-person Festival of Lights was canceled due to rising coronavirus cases. The pandemic also forced the cancellation of the ice skating rink that's been installed behind City Hall in past winters.

The pandemic has toppled almost every large celebration in Worcester so far this year, beginning with the St. Patrick's Day parade in March.

The virtual 2020 Festival of Lights begins on Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. Residents can watch on Facebook Live, the government access channel or Spectrum channel 192.