UPDATE (Saturday, December 9, 2023): Due to the threat of inclement weather, the Hawleyville tree lighting planned for December 10 has been canceled.

NOTE (December 19, 2023): Maribeth Hemingway is in the first photo accompanying this release. Her last name was incorrect when this story was first published.

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Plans have been announced for the Ram Pasture, Sandy Hook and Hawleyville tree lighting events, although one has already been rescheduled.

The 2023 Ram Pasture Tree Lighting, being planned for December 1, was postponed this week due to the high chance for inclement weather. Newtown Parks & Recreation officials announced on November 29 that the event will instead take place Friday, December 8.

All other details will remain the same. Festivities will begin at 6:30 pm at the corner of Elm Drive and Hawley Lane. Those planning to attend should note in advance that both roads will be closed ahead of and during the all-ages event.

Singing, dancing, and visits from Santa Claus will all be part of the evening.

Santa will be available for sitting visits. Children are also invited to bring their letters to him, to be placed in a special North Pole mailbox.

Sandy Hook Center

Having conducted a successful fundraiser-decorating event last weekend, Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity (SHOP) will host its Annual Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 2, at 6 pm, in Sandy Hook Center. This is a fun, family-friendly outdoor event.

Festivities will begin at 4 pm. Santa Claus will be meeting children of all ages as of 5 pm, while karaoke fills the air with holiday music. Following the tree lighting at 6, caroling will continue the special event.

SHOP is also continuing its tradition of letting a member of the public have the honor of lighting the tree. Each person who arrives with a nonperishable donation for FAITH Food Pantry will be entered in a drawing to light the tree.

Donations should be given to Santa, and one of his elves will provide raffle tickets in return.

For more information about SHOP and the event visit SandyHookVillage.com or find SHOP on Facebook (@ExperienceSandyHook), Instagram (@s.h.o.p.sandyhookvillage) and/or X (@SHOPSandyHook).

Hawleyville

Hawleyville Volunteer Fire Company will host its 13th Annual Tree Lighting on Sunday, December 10, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm, at its station, 34 Hawleyville Road (Route 25).

The Dance Etc Dancers will perform while merrymakers await the countdown to light up the season and hope for a visit from jolly old Saint Nick.

Hawleyville Post Office will provide cookies and hot chocolate, and free pizzas will be served courtesy of Papa Al’s restaurant.

There is no rain/inclement weather date. Check facebook.com/HawleyvilleFire for weather updates.

Ram Pasture Donations

Donations are sought each year to cover the costs associated with the annual Ram Pasture Tree Lighting.

The fundraising effort will continue through the end of the year.

Donors may contribute $10 for a bulb or luminaria to honor someone special. Readers are invited to use the coupon offered here to indicate who they are honoring, and whether they wish to sponsor someone with a luminaria or bulb.

Checks should be made payable to Newtown Parks & Recreation Park Gift Fund, and mailed to Newtown Parks & Recreation, 8 Simpson Street, Newtown CT 06470.

Checks can also be dropped off at the Parks & Recreation office, within Newtown Community Center on Simpson Street.

Donations can also be done online at newtown-ct.gov/parks-recreation.

The following donations were received as of November 29:

In Honor Of

Diana Johnson, a donation of $1,000 from Jay Maher

The Tree Lighting Event, a donation of $500 from Adult & Pediatric Counseling

James Crick Jr, 1 bulb donated by Maureen Crick Owen

Matthew James Crick, 1 bulb donated by Maureen Crick Owen

Lee W. Glover, Sr, 1 bulb donated by Maureen Crick Owen

The Tree Lighting Event, 1 bulb donated by Maureen Will

Megan Bier & Family, 1 bulb donated by The Stiewing Family

Sophie Zajaczkowski, 1 bulb donated by Susan Isolano

Joseph Zajaczkowski, 1 bulb donated by Susan Isolano

Harriet Zajaczkowski, 1 bulb donated by Susan Isolano

Robert J. Manduluk, 1 bulb donated by Elaine Mandulak

Marianne Corbo, 1 bulb donated by Elaine Mandulak

The Doherty & Will Family, 1 luminaria donated by Maureen Will

Dinosaurs: Has Beens & Absent Friends, , 1 luminaria donated by Maureen Will

911 Dispatchers Maureen Will, 1 luminaria donated by Maureen Will

The Hromyak Family, 1 luminaria donated by Albert & Janet Stockalis

The Stockalis Family, 1 luminaria donated by Albert & Janet Stockalis

The Tree Lighting Event, 2 luminaria donated by The Britton Family