On Saturday, December 5, Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity (SHOP) will present the Annual Sandy Hook Village Holiday Tree Lighting. The public is invited to enjoy the Sandy Hook tradition featuring carolers, Santa Claus, karaoke, refreshments, goodies, and a community celebration.

This year’s event will begin at 4 pm, leading to the lighting of two trees at 6:30 pm. This includes the lighting of the longstanding tree within The Glen, at 2 Washington Avenue, as well as a Norway spruce that was planted across the street two years ago.

The new tree, on the corner of Riverside Road and Washington Avenue, will reportedly be covered once again with green and white lights. The traditional Sandy Hook Tree, within The Glen at 2 Washington Avenue, will have its multicolored bulbs.

New this year will be the presentation of a Live Nativity at Faith at Newtown, the church in the lower level of 4 Riverside Road.

Santa will be arriving to Sandy Hook Village from the North Pole via a Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue truck at 5 pm and will stay until 6:30. Children will be able to bring their letters to Santa at the tree lighting event. A mailbox will be stationed there so that all letters can be delivered straight to the North Pole.

All guests are being asked to bring a nonperishable food item to be donated to FAITH Food Pantry. Upon giving Santa the food pantry donations, each family will be entered into a raffle, and one lucky winner will be granted the honor of lighting the holiday tree.

FAITH Food Pantry has relied on the kindness and support of Newtown residents providing food to residents who need a hand putting meals on their table for nearly 35 years.

For two hours before the trees are lit, visitors to the area of Church Hill Road, Washington Avenue, Riverside Road, and Glen Road will have plenty of activities to choose from. SHOP also welcomes guests to stay in the village after the tree is lit to carol and enjoy all the shops and restaurants that will be open for the occasion.

The following is a schedule of the main activities:

*Festivities begin at 4 pm;

*Live Nativity at Faith at Newtown, 4:30 to 6:15;

*Arrival of Santa Claus at 5 pm and visits with children until 6:30;

*Karaoke, 5 to 6:30;

*Caroling with Newtown Middle School Chorus members at 6; and

*Tree Lightings, 6:30.

Visit sandyhookvillage.comfacebook.com/experiencesandyhook for more information. or