Dedham's Annual Holiday Stroll & Tree Lighting is Friday

With Thanksgiving now a delicious, faint memory, the official holiday season has begun and local residents know that Dedham always kicks the holidays off in style. 

The Annual Holiday Stroll & Tree Lighting will be held on Friday, December 6, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. On this special evening, Dedham Square will be transformed into a traditional holiday photograph filled with festive decorations, entertainment, specialty sales, and, of course, the spectacular tree lighting ceremony.

On Friday night, the streets of Dedham Square will be filled with street performers, costumed characters and entertainers, Victorian carolers, music from the Dedham Middle and High School bands and an a cappella group. The AMP 103.3 Street Team will also be on hand to cover the event.

Santa Claus is scheduled to arrive at 6:30 p.m., followed by the lighting of the town Christmas tree. 

A portion of High St. will be closed to traffic (between Wardle's and the Deli After Dark), where community organizations will host tables to display their information. Local merchants will also extend their evening hours and offer special discounts and promotions, free raffles, menu specials and holiday treats.

Annual Tree Jubilee - Revelers can drop by the Dedham Community Theatre, at 580 High St., for the Annual Dedham Tree Jubilee. The Dedham Junior Woman's Club is again sponsoring their Dedham Food Pantry fundraiser with a raffle to win one of 10 beautifully decorated Christmas trees, complete with presents. This year, the trees are adorned with the following themes: Irish, Italian, beach, baseball, boy, girl, pet and three traditional. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5.

Strollers will also have the opportunity to take a chance on the Jubilee Tree, which is packed with gift certificates from generous local merchants, including: Kouzina, Anthony Frederick's Salon, Vintage Thymes, Sheepskate, Mocha Java, Isabella's, Center Deli and many others.  Tickets for the Jubilee tree are $5.00 each.

Last year, the Dedham Tree Jubilee raised $2,000 for the Dedham Food Pantry.

So, gather up your children, neighbors, friends, relatives and anyone who appreciates a good old fashioned community celebration to commemorate the holiday season in true Dedham style!