PEABODY — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas down on Main Street.
Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt Jr. has announced that the city, in partnership with Peabody Main Streets and several local businesses, will host its annual Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 27 from 1-5 p.m.
“The Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting is a great Peabody tradition and a perfect way to support our Main Street business community on Small Business Saturday,” Bettencourt said. “Come have lunch at one of downtown Peabody’s great restaurants, buy gifts at Main Street shops, say hello to Santa and Mrs. Claus, and sing Christmas carols with a choir while we light the beautiful City Hall Christmas tree.”
Last week, the tree arrived at City Hall on a flatbed truck.The gift of a generous County Street resident, the tree — a majestic 25-30-foot-tall Colorado spruce — was planted near City Hall’s Chestnut Street entrance.
“Soon, the tree will take root and become the permanent City Hall Christmas tree,” Bettencourt said.
The Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting will feature several family-friendly activities, starting at 1:30 p.m. with Story Time with Santa and Mrs. Claus and a Snowman selfie station at the Peabody Institute Library, courtesy of North Shore Bank and Peabody Main Streets. The event ends at 3:30.
At 2 p.m. the Peabody Fire Department will host an open house and Jaws of Life demonstration at its Main Street headquarters located opposite City Hall.
DJ Carol, Peabody Main Streets, and several other community groups, including Peabody Kiwanis, Rotary Club, and the Torigian Family YMCA, will donate an assortment of giveaways at the Courthouse Plaza.
Peabody Boy Scout Troop #59 will conduct a holiday wreath sale at Sports Collectibles Plaza.
The Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Main Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (To make an appointment, go to Redcrossblood.org)
Peabody Access TV will host a Green Screen Holiday Photo Fun shoot at Peabody at its new headquarters at 81 Main St.
At 4 p.m. the Peabody Fire Prevention Bureau will escort Santa down Main Street to City Hall for a Christmas carol singalong and tree lighting with Mayor Bettencourt, where Peabody Public Schools choirs will perform. Hot chocolate and donuts, compliments of RCN, will be served.
For more information, visit the Peabody Main Streets website at LivePeabody.com and its Facebook Page, as well as the city’s Facebook page.
