NAHANT — The tradition that many in the town have fond memories of is coming back.
On Thursday, Town Administrator Antonio Barletta announced that the Christmas-tree bonfire will be returning in 2022 along with an erosion-control project. The bonfire will take place on Thursday, Jan. 6 at 6 p.m. at Baileys Hill Park.
Nearby, Marblehead will also hold a similar event — with its bonfire taking place on the same date and at the same time as Nahant’s, but at Riverhead Beach instead.
The town of Nahant has been collecting Christmas trees for many years. Barletta said that once all of the trees have been gathered up each year, they can present a fire hazard.
“A controlled bonfire is a better option,” said Barletta.
In recent years, the town has utilized the trees for composting instead of the bonfire.
Nahant will be collecting trees until Jan. 14. The town is asking that all ornaments, lights, garlands, and stands be removed prior to disposal. Wreaths are not eligible to be picked up.
Barletta is excited to bring back this tradition that helps to bring the Nahant community together, but still doing so in a safe way during the pandemic.
“Bringing back this tradition that is outdoors and spaced out hits the sweet spot of a safe gathering,” he said.
With the bonfire taking place on Jan. 6,, trees collected after that date will be used for an erosion-control project on Doggie Beach.
