Christmas in New Bedford Kicks Off with Downtown Celebration

As the song says, "Its the most wonderful time of the year." A holiday tradition continued Saturday in the City of New Bedford.  The Downtown Holiday Stroll featured carolers, antique fire truck rides, a mini-market and dance presentations throughout the afternoon.  The most exciting moment however, was the arrival of Santa Claus (above) and the lighting of the giant Christmas Tree outside the Downtown Library.  The 30-foot spruce tree was donated by the Cristina Lopes family of Fairhaven.

Mayor Jon Mitchell and City Council President Joe Lopes hosted the tree-lighting ceremony.  The event was emceed by Armand Marchand, a long time drama instructor at New Bedford High School and the executive-producer of the New Bedford Festival Theater.

Who says the magic has gone out of Christmas?  I bet the joy and excitement of Christmas still exists for that child enjoying the music of the New Bedford High School Band.

Also providing some holiday songs were Miss New Bedford Megan Sylvia, Miss New Bedford outstanding teen Hannah Lima, and Miss Whaling City Teen Kieyana Fleming.

If you missed the tree-lighting ceremony on Saturday, there's another one on Sunday.  The Clasky Common Park Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony starts at 5 pm on Sunday,  December 5th.  The Common Park is located at County and Pope Streets, across from the Parker School.  Entertainment will include the Parker School Chorus, and yes Santa and Mrs. Claus will stop by.