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The event will be held Friday, Dec. 5, and Saturday, Dec. 6, in downtown New Canaan.
Town government officials do not fund the event, which can cost in excess of $21,000 to stage.
“People assume that the town has some secret stash that they dip in to for events such as these,” New Canaan Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tucker Murphy said in a press release. “Often it goes unspoken, but residents should know that it doesn’t work like that.”
Merchants and private donors fund the event every year, she said.
Although town officials allow free use of electricity, it still takes about 150 hours of manpower to light the 50 trees with 400 strands of lights, according to a press release.
This year the Chamber has created the New Canaan Chamber Charitable Foundation to ensure all donations are fully tax-deductible as legally permitted.
Donations should be made payable to the New Canaan Chamber Charitable Foundation and can be sent to the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce, 91 Elm St., New Canaan, CT 06840.
The annual Holiday Stroll has become a family favorite, transforming downtown New Canaan into something out of a Dickens’ storybook. Friday night kicks off with the arrival of Santa Claus, a lighting of the trees, carol singing, live entertainment while the stores stay open late and offer refreshments and holiday cheer.
Saturday includes pictures with Santa at Santa’s workshop, characters roaming the streets, more live entertainment, a Gingerbread House Tour and much more.
Here is the schedule:
Friday, Dec. 5, 5 to 9 p.m.
• Entertainment begins at 5:15 • Downtown Tree Lighting • Live Entertainment • Stores Open Late • Guest Appearance by Santa
Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Visit with Santa at Ralph Lauren Children’s Store at 115 Elm St. • Cast of Characters • Live Entertainment • Gingerbread House Tour • Ice Sculpture Demonstrations • Loads of Holiday Cheer
For more information, call 203-966-2004.
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