For nearly three decades, North Haven’s Department of Community Services & Recreation has hosted a tree lighting ceremony and a wide variety of holiday activities for the residents of North Haven.

“It’s the start of the holiday season with the tree being lit on the Green for the first time,” said Lynne Cole, program coordinator at North Haven Parks & Recreation. “The family can get together and have a day of fun.”

This year’s festivities will be held on Sunday, Dec. 6 from 2 to 5 p.m., rain or shine, with activities on the North Haven Green, as well as at the Recreation Center. On the Green, there will be hayrides, caroling by the North Haven High School concert choir, holiday sweets from American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, and coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies courtesy of Father Donaher Council of the Knights of Columbus.

Santa’s Workshop will be held at the Recreation Center, which is located on Linsley Street. There will be face-painting, a craft room, refreshments, and a cookie-decorating station. Stop & Shop donated the frosting for the cookies.

Coldwell Banker will run a prize wheel in the Recreation Center. For $1, people can spin the wheel to win a prize. The proceeds will benefit the Food Bank.

“They’ve been doing that for a few years and it’s gone well,” said Cole. “They’ve been able to make a sizable donation to the Food Bank.”

Students from Minotti Music will provide musical entertainment in the gym. A variety of characters—including Rudolph, Frosty and Mrs. Frosty, and Ronald McDonald—will visit with guests at both the Recreation Center and the Green.

In addition to photo opportunities with characters, pictures with Santa will be offered from 2 to 4 p.m. A $1 voluntary donation is requested for photos with Santa and will help to offset the costs of the event. Sana’s Workshop will also be open on Monday, Dec. 7 and Wednesday, Dec. 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

“It’s great because people can come then, too, if they miss a chance to see Santa on Sunday,” said Cole, noting that setup for this event begins in early November. “The room that Santa sits in is a winter wonderland with 25 trees—it’s beautiful.”

At 4:45 p.m., Santa will board a firetruck for a ride to the Green where he will head the tree-lighting ceremony at 5 p.m.

While the town sponsors similar events for Easter and Halloween, this event is Cole’s favorite.

“This is the most fun and attended by the most people,” said Cole, who has worked at the Department of Community Services & Recreation for 13 years. “This is something the whole town looks forward to and it’s definitely an asset that the townspeople can enjoy.”

For information, call 203- 239-5321, ext. 530; for cancellations, call 203-234-2535.