Branford’s town center will light up with holiday activity on Saturday, Nov. 26 with the town’s annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting. Also on Saturday, Nov. 26, the community is invited to come out to support Branford’s downtown merchants during Small Business Saturday, with local holiday shopping from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Branford Parks and Recreation Department invites the community to come out to enjoy this year’s festive holiday parade and tree lighting from 6 to 8 p.m. The holiday parade steps off at 6:30 p.m. from Branford High School,185 East Main St. and travels to Main Street and the green. Santa is scheduled to light the tree on the green at 7:15 p.m.

Each year, this popular, community-centered holiday parade dazzles hundreds who line both sides of Main Street to see creative floats, displays, and other expressions of holiday cheer developed by groups from local businesses, organizations, schools, neighborhoods and more.

The multi-unit parade stretches along Main Street and turns onto Town Hall Drive to reach the green, followed by Santa leading the crowd in lighting the tree.

Parade viewers are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to benefit the Branford Food Pantry. Donations will be collected by “Fill the Cart” volunteers at the parade.

Branford Parks and Recreation’s parade invitation flyer shares special thanks to Branford Public Works, Branford Police and Fire Departments the Town of Branford, Main Street Merchants, J. Witkowsky & Sons Tree Service, Guilford Fence, Van Wilgen's Garden Center, Flower Wonderland and “...the many volunteers for making this a wonderful holiday community event.”

According to information posted at the Branford Parks and Recreation Department Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting event page, “...those who would like to join in on the fun and participate in the parade, carrying a festive banner, creating a float, or wearing holiday costumes” have until Friday, Nov. 18 to submit the required parade participation form, which can be found online at: www.branfordrecreation.org.

Rain date (Tree Lighting only): Sunday, Nov. 27. For more information visit www.branfordrecreation.org or call (203) 488-8304