Holiday Season Kicks Off In Vernon This Week With Lights, Santa House

VERNON, CT — The holiday season will officially begin in Vernon Friday with the annual Winterfest celebration.

The event features music, refreshments, the annual tree and wreath lightings and the illumination of the snow flake on Fox Hill Tower.

Santa will also arrive and begin visits at the Santa House across from Town Hall.

People can gather at 5:45 p.m. at Central Park across from Town Hall and the even will kickoff with a torchlight fire vehicle parade at about 6 p.m.

The holiday light display at Henry Park will also be open for the season at that time.

"Winterfest is an opportunity for people to come together to celebrate the holiday season and to enjoy holiday traditions, such as the tree lighting and fire truck parade," Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. "It's really a magical experience for kids who get to see the decorated fire trucks and Santa arrive to hear their holiday wishes."

After the fire truck parade brings Santa to Central Park, the countdown will commence for the tree and star lightings. The snowflake on Fox Hill Tower is visible from Downtown Rockville.

All aspects of the event are free of charge.

"Holiday traditions, like Vernon's Winterfest, are a valuable way to connect families within our diverse community and give everyone a sense of belonging,” Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said.

Purcaro said a "special treat" at this year's Winterfest will be a performance by the Rockville High School Band and the brass section of the 102nd Army Band of the Connecticut Army National Guard, which is based at the armory on West Street."

Police said road closures will be in effect at 6 p.m. and stretch on East Main Street from the Union Street/Elm Street intersection to the Court Street intersection. They will be in effect until the end of the event and detour will be in place.

"We’ve added more lights at Henry Park for this year's free holiday light display," Champagne said. "Our parks and recreation crews have been at work for several weeks stringing lights and preparing the park."

The Henry park lights will be illuminated each night from 4 to 10 p.m. Visitors can drive through the park and enjoy the lights at their leisure.

The Santa House will be open Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Dec. 23. Children can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

In the event of inclement weather, check in to the town website and social media accounts for updates.