The holidays are on the way, and so is the annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting on the Westbrook Town Green on Sunday, Dec. 8.

Beginning at 4 p.m. and running until 6 p.m., the night will feature a parade, ice carving, hot food, crafts, live entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, 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 event’s organizers, said the parade will step off around 4 p.m. and go around the Town Green.

“We will be lighting the tree right after the parade is done,” Esposito said.

Every year, the tree is lit by a different guest. This year, the tree will be lit by the Westbrook Council of Beaches.

Esposito said there wouldn’t be many changes to this year’s event, but one new change from last year will be returning: the gift of a free age-appropriate book courtesy of Read to Grow.

“They donated a lot of books last year, and it was a big hit,” Esposito said.

Typically, the event features a bonfire and s’more-making station, though that is on hold at press time.

“Due to the drought and open fire prohibition, we’re not sure that’s going to happen if we don’t get enough rain between now and then,” Esposito explained.

The tree lighting will also feature several food options.

“We’ll have lots of fun goodies this year. We’ll have Westbrook Pizza, cider, eggnog, coffee, and Hartford Giant Grinder will be making grilled cheeses,” Esposito said.

The Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting has been a Westbrook tradition for over 20 years. The day has become something to look forward to for attendees and organizers alike.

“I just like how it’s such a small town feeling of Christmas, and everyone says it’s like a Hallmark Movie and how it brings everyone into the spirit of Christmas,” Esposito said.

More information can be found online at westbrooktreelighting.com.