Chelsea will hold its annual Santa Parade and Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 5, in Chelsea Square, according to a schedule the city posted on Friday. The parade runs from 1 to 4 p.m., Santa arrives in the square at 4 p.m., and the tree is lit at 4:15 p.m.
The celebration is centered at Chelsea Square, 179 Winnisimmet Street. The city lists pony rides, face painting, holiday cookies and a holiday movie watch party among the afternoon’s activities. The announcement does not give the parade route.
The schedule
- 1 to 4 p.m.: Santa Parade.
- 4 p.m.: Santa arrives in Chelsea Square.
- 4:15 p.m.: Tree lighting.
A different tree this year
The tree lit on December 5 will not be the spruce that has stood in Chelsea Square. City staff decided the spruce can no longer serve as the official holiday tree, and a larger, reusable artificial tree is taking its place, as we reported on November 10. Residents can make free holiday swags from the old spruce’s branches at the opening day of the Winter Farmers Market, Wednesday, November 18, from 2 to 6 p.m. in the same square, while supplies last.
The date is settled
City records had pointed to two different days. A September Board of Health record listed the tree lighting for December 1, while a city event listing gave December 5. Friday’s announcement, with the full schedule, confirms Saturday, December 5.
The city’s post, written in English and Spanish, invites families to “welcome Santa to Chelsea, light up the Christmas tree, and kick off the holiday season together.” For the rest of this month’s meetings and events, see our week ahead.