WORCESTER—The city is prepping to make a real big deal out of lighting the tree on the common. And why not? It’s fun to make a big deal out of lighting a holiday tree. It brings the community together, it’s free, and it draws attention to the Worcester Common and all its charm.
The 17th annual Worcester’s Festival of Lights, which takes place on Friday, Dec. 1, from 4:30-9 p.m. on the Worcester Common, is a free, family-friendly event that includes numerous “lighting features” (including the tree, at 6 p.m.), ice skating, food vendors, community organizations and performances. Around the corner, the Worcester Public library also offers activities for the kids, decorations, gingerbread houses, hot chocolate station and more from 4:30–8:30 p.m.
The festival is one of the biggest events hosted and sponsored by the city, and has continued to be a perennial hit.
“This event promotes community, neighborliness and collaboration during the holiday season,” said Shantelle Campbell, Worcester’s marketing and community relations coordinator. “We support local businesses and vendors and want to continue collaborating with community members and leaders to support diversity, equity and inclusion year round. It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season and gear up for the new year and new exciting things to come for the Worcester community.”
Besides the lights, ice skating, food vendors and organizations, a highlight of the event includes a performance by award-winning singer Michelle Brooks-Thompson, a Springfield native who made it to the finals on NBC’s “The Voice” and topped the Billboard Gospel Charts. Brooks-Thompson takes the stage immediately following the tree lighting.
Included in the lighting installations is an interactive light sculpture designed by Zebbler Studios. The installation consists of a spiraling tunnel of LED-light, which offers a series of colorful light shows, and makes a pretty neato backdrop for pics.
“Festival of Lights is a can’t-be-missed event because it brings our community together,” said Campbell. “It represents Worcester’s diverse cultures, supports youth and families, and celebrates the joy and love Worcesterites share. Each year, it gets bigger and better and this year we’ve added a Glow in the Dark Park for people of any age, especially the young at heart.”
The tree, lighting installations and skating rink are open until Feb. 28.
Contact Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
