Winthrop Center Holiday Lighting Festival

The Winthrop Center will be the place to be the day after Thanksgiving to ring in the holiday season.

The fun begins at French Square Friday, November 27, with free photos with Santa Claus from 3:00 - 5:00 pm courtesy of Beacon Photography. Making special appearances this year will be children's favorites Diego and Dora the Explorer. They will be joined by traditional favorites Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, thanks to Balloon City of Boston, For Kids Only Afterschool, Mrs. Marley's Nursery School, and Pleasant Times Learning Center.

Lots of tasty treats that day too, as Winthrop Rotary will be serving hot popcorn, WCAT will be making cotton candy, Clark the "Sausage Guy" will be cooking, along with many business specials.

The traditional kids hat contest will be at 4:00 pm with prizes for the most festive, most original, and funniest. There will also be a dance competition at 4:30 pm for the kids.

Some fantastic entertainment is lined up for the main stage. On tap to perform are: Cervizzi's Martial Arts Academy, Winthrop Middle School Chorus, Winthrop School of Performing Arts, Winthrop Girl Scouts, John & Lori Wadkins students, and the Winthrop Playmakers. Sound-Waves Productions will be playing Christmas music throughout the day. Balloon City will be handing out free balloons to all kids.

A winter clothing drive will be conducted by the First Church of Winthrop United Methodist during the day where gently-used coats and new hats, socks, scarves, and gloves will be accepted for the homeless. There will also be many great business sales and open houses, plus lots of raffles and giveaways.

The highlight of the day is when Santa arrives on the fire engine, with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts leading the procession, for the tree lighting at 5:30. Then, the raffle drawing for two $250 Winthrop Gift Certificates takes place, where the winner must be present.

The Holiday Lighting Festival is sponsored by Massport, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce with assistance from the Winthrop Police Department, Fire Department, and DPW.