Santa Claus is officially coming back to town. Christmas in Clinton will return to downtown Clinton from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8.

Christmas in Clinton has been a staple of Clinton’s holiday season for well over 20 years. Organized by the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, the event transforms Clinton’s downtown into a winter wonderland of family fun.

Chamber Executive Director Paul Orsini said the Chamber is still ironing out all the details for the day, but everything is almost all set. The event will run from 1 to 5 p.m. with attractions both outside along Main Street and inside the Town Hall.

“We’re going to have the event from the plaza where Chips Pub is down to Old Brick,” said Orsini. Old Brick is the local name for the Clinton Historical Society headquarters.

“Most, if not all, the stores will be open selling things like hot chocolate, candy canes, cookies, and other goods,” Orsini said. Unfortunately, the fan-favorite soup contest is not returning this year. “Sadly, we couldn’t get the commercial kitchens and we couldn’t do it this year like we wanted,” Orsini said.

Returning events this year include an Elf on the Shelf search, a photo booth, a life-size snow globe, Christmas carolers, holiday characters played by Kidz Konnection actors, a nativity scene, and a craft fair in the Town Hall Green Room. There will also be refreshments served at some locations, as well as tables and booths from civic groups and clubs from the Morgan School.

“We’re going to have Frank Andrews Pizza Truck and the Shellfish Commission doing an event in front of the Pierson School. We’ll have food and refreshments up and down the street. And the stores will be open with different things inside,” Orsini said. The Main Street events will take place from 1 until about 4:45 p.m.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without the big man himself. Santa will arrive to light the town tree at 5 p.m. and then will be available for pictures in the Town Hall auditorium until 6 p.m. Christmas carols will be performed 15 minutes before the tree lighting.

Christmas in Clinton is an annual event that has been a big draw to Clinton’s downtown. It is now in its 29th year.

“It really is just a great event. We’ve mostly been blessed with great weather and to see everyone walking around with a big smile on their face and all the stores being open and being able to showcase their stuff. People really look forward to it all year,” Orsini said.

Orsini notes that many civic groups in town, such as the Lion’s Club and shop owners, are just as excited as he is for the event.

“We all put a lot of effort into this, and the Chamber of Commerce organizes it, but each group is really doing their own thing, so it really is a group effort throughout the whole town. And It’s very gratifying to pull it off when the kids see Santa."

For Orsini, the best part is seeing the town come together for an event that is simply meant to be fun.

“I have a special role walking around and talking to people, and I get to see people I don’t often see, and I just enjoy that. Plus, I’m 65 years old and seeing Santa pull up on the fire truck to light the tree is still a thrill to me!”