The holidays are on the way, and so is the annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting on the Westbrook Town Green on Sunday, Dec. 4.

Beginning at 4 p.m. and running until 6 p.m., the night will feature a parade, ice carving , hot food, crafts, a reindeer-food making station, live entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, donkeys, a bonfire, and, of course, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Best of all, the entire night and all festivities are free.

Kim Esposito, one of the organizers of the event, said that there is one notable change from previous years.

“We are lighting the tree a little later to have the entertainment be the focus for a little longer. We’re going to light the tree around 5:45 p.m. and have that be the culmination,” Esposito explained.

In past years, the tree was lit early on in the evening but organizers decided this year to make it more of a grand finale to the event, Esposito said. This year the tree will be lit by Margaret “Bucky” Bach – Westbrook’s oldest living resident.

Other changes include the return of s’mores around the campfire, expanded entertainment including singers from the high school, a group singalong, and updated crafts.

In the case of inclement weather, Esposito said there will be a contingency plan where the event will be scaled back but Santa will still appear. The Facebook page Westbrook Tree Lighting Committee will post updates as needed.

The Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting has been a tradition in town for more than two decades, but due to a high rate of COVID-19 cases during the 2020 holiday season, the event was called off. It returned last year.

“It was amazing. It was unbelievable last year; we had really good turnout. And this year we’re bringing back s’mores around the campfire so that’s going to be even better,” said Esposito.

Esposito said she is looking forward to the the town-wide camaraderie.

“Just seeing the community all together to kick off the holiday season together, it just feels good,” said Esposito.

For more information, visit westbrooktreelighting.com.