The Deep River Holiday Stroll returns on Saturday, Dec. 3 with neighborly competitions, holiday treats, and a visit from the big man himself: Santa Claus. The annual event has been a town staple for at least 25 years, according to Carol Jones, director of the Deep River Parks & Recreation Department, which organizes the event.

Adding to the holiday spirit, the Deep River Historical Society is bringing back the Festival of Trees, open to the public Thursday Dec. 1 and Friday Dec. 2 from 5 to 8 p.m., and Saturday Dec. 3 from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday evening’s attendees will be able to vote for their favorite tree.

For the Stroll on Saturday, Mrs. Claus will hold a holiday storytelling hour at the Deep River Public Library at 1:30 p.m. Students from Deep River Elementary School (DRES) will give a holiday sing-a-long concert in the Town Hall Auditorium from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The DRES chorus will be collecting donations of new, unwrapped toys as part of its Chorus Cares initiative. Photos with Santa will occur after the concert, and classic holiday films will be screened in the auditorium through the evening.

The tree lighting will occur in front of Town Hall, with free hot chocolate and cookies on hand. Cedar Knoll Farm will return for free horse-drawn carriage rides through downtown Deep River from 5 to 8 p.m. For the second year, there will be a house-decorating contest along the carriage route, sponsored by Parks & Recreation. Voting will take place at Town Hall while the rides are ongoing. First prize is a $25 gift certificate to a local restaurant.

Also returning is the annual gingerbread house contest. Those who wish to enter the contest should bring their creations to the Town Hall main conference room by 4 p.m.; judging will occur from 5 to 8 p.m.

“In addition to the holiday fun, the stroll also serves as a way to reach out to the Merchants Association, and encourage people to shop local, and to come into town, and stay in town for a bit,” said Jones. “Many shops offer in-store specials and extended hours.”

The Merchants Association donates the wreaths that decorate almost a mile of Main Street, and coordinates the extended hours and participation in the stroll by local businesses.

“One of the awesome things about this town is the sense of community in Deep River,” said Ken Chmielewski, president of the Merchant Association. “More than anything it gets everyone out and about downtown. This year it feels particularly important to come together after that passing of Dick Smith, who worked hard to make every feel like they were a part of the community and to build the community during his 27 years as first selectman.”

“The Stroll helps the community capitalize on the wonderful, joyous feelings that come out during the holidays,” said Jones. “It brings people together to share that warm festive feeling, and really takes people back to a simpler time.”