Stroll through historic downtown for gifts you can’t find at the mall. Shops will all be open late with refreshments and special discounts for the men.

Stroll through historic downtown for gifts you can’t find at the mall. Shops will all be open late with refreshments and special discounts.

The Official Start of the Holiday Season! After the concert join us in front of the First Parish Church and Town Hall Common. Friendship Tree is sponsored by the Manchester Woman’s Club.

The Manchester-Essex school band , Soundwaves, Highschool Chorus, Memorial School Chorus & The Carolers will perform. Candy canes and hot chocolate handed out by Mrs. Claus on the Common afterwards. Sponsored by the Manchester Woman’s Club.

Santa will arrive at Masconomo Park by boat at 1pm. The jolly man will then lead the children across the street to the Manchester Community Center, where there will be a miniature petting zoo, craft activities, face painting and delicious refreshments. Everyone will get a chance to have their pictures taken with Santa!

Location: Masconomo Park & The Manchester Community Center

Santa arrives on the Essex River by boat and walks up to the shipyard with some of his friends.

• Children can sit on Santa’s lap and review their holiday “wish list”
• Clam Chowder
• Hot Chocolate
• Munchkins
• Carols by “Sound Waves”

Weather contingency: Friday evening events will be held at Essex Elementary School in case of inclement weather.

(Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Claus, Woodman’s of Essex, Dunkin’ Donuts, the Essex Police Department, ­Essex ­Radio and TV, Manchester Essex ­Regional School District and Essex County Sheriffs Dept.)