Guilford is getting ready to officially mark the start of the holiday season. On Friday, Nov. 30 is the annual tree lighting on the Guilford Green and plenty of local businesses, churches, and town establishments will host events and activities that evening as well.

Economic Development Coordinator Brian McGlone said the fact that the tree lighting is happening in November, not December, has thrown some people.

“A lot of people seem to believe it’s the first Friday in December and that’s not really true,” he said. “It’s always the first full Friday after Thanksgiving, so in this case it’s Friday, Nov. 30. We are getting calls questioning that, so I just wanted to clarify.”

In addition, the festivities will kick off a little earlier than usual in the evening. The tree lighting will now run from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

“Historically we start around 6 p.m. but we are moving it up a bit because of all the performances we have,” he said. “We have dance performances, musical performances, and I’m sure our first selectman will make an appearance along with Santa and a few others.”

McGlone said the tree lighting is the centerpiece of the evening, but there will be plenty of other things to do that evening as well like strolling down the Candlelight Walk on Broad Street.

“All of the churches and the library around the green have activities and events that I hope everybody can come out and enjoy,” he said.

Other events on Nov. 30 in Guilford include the Firelight Festival from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Henry Whitfield Museum, 248 Whitfield Street; the chili supper from 5 to 7 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 11 Park Street; the Bell Ringer Concert at 5:30 p.m. St. George Church, 11 Park Street; the Elm City Girls Choir Concert 7 p.m. at First Church of Christ, Scientist, 49 Park Street; the annual Holiday Book Sale 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Guilford Free Library, 67 Park Street; Soup with Santa from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church Street; and a wreath and cookie sale from 5 to 7 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 11 Park Street.

On the following day, Saturday, Dec. 1, there is Breakfast with Santa from 9 to 11 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 110 Broad Street, and an Open House and Holiday Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Dudley Farm, 2351 Durham Road.

McGlone said the tree lighting is one of the events that makes Guilford, Guilford.

“To me, this is like the hallmark moment of Guilford when you see this,” he said. “I have had the pleasure of being the emcee for a few years and when I stand on the stage and look out and see Guilford glittering, it is just an amazing thing.”

Additional information about the weekend’s festivities is available on the town website www.ci.guilford.ct.us.