Let it never be said that Newtown lacks for anything when it comes to showing off its community-wide holiday spirit.Sports Editor Andy Hutchison, and reporter Kendra Bobowick contributed to this feature.

The first three days of December brought three neighborhood tree lightings on the same weekend as the Newtown Youth &Family Services Holiday Festival and tons of other seasonally flavored activities on Main Street.

The first and "original" community tree lighting, sponsored by Newtown Savings Bank, the Newtown Chamber of Commerce, and the local Parks & Recreation Department, went off without a hitch Friday, December 1. Residents only had to follow the flickering trail of luminarias that lined Main Street, South Main Street and Elm Drive to find the 33rd Annual Ram Pasture Tree Lighting.

The event included performances from Newtown High School's acapella singers, the Ashurst Academy of Irish Dance, and Lathrop School of Dance, and a visit from Santa and Mrs Claus. A bit of a winter nip in the air was countered by plenty of warm holiday spirit to go around. Kathy Holick, known as Kat the dancing crossing guard (retired), pulled the switch illuminating the two sparkling trees.

Along with the luminarias, the festive lights created glimmering reflections off Hawley Pond.

Then it was time for Santa and Mrs Claus, who arrived in a sleigh "pulled" by lit reindeer.

Less than 24 hours later, thousands more twinkling lights abruptly illuminated the early darkness in Sandy Hook Center after one young voice completed a countdown. Starting from 10, young Tristan Nelson counted backward, "three, two, one," before a cheer went up from the crowd gathered for the 17th annual Sandy Hook tree lighting, which was sponsored by SHOP - the Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity.

As man-made "snow" filled the sidewalk near Sandy Hook Hair Company, children, including Emma Riner, chased the fluff as they waited to visit with Santa Claus. Jessica Galterio was also there for the first time in the company of Mason, age 1, in her arms.

Rebecca Inconstanti and Frances Cruz looked on from the corner by the Foundry Kitchen and Tavern before crossing the street where two trees would soon cast sparkling multicolored lights across the intersection. Standing at The Glen at the corner of Church Hill Road and Washington Avenue is the original Sandy Hook Center tree, which bloomed into a rainbow if color.

Across the street on the corner of Washington Avenue and Riverside Road is a newer tree planted a few years ago, now dressed in green and white lights.

Guests enjoyed karaoke and caroling, and many brought donations for FAITH Food Pantry. As the official festivities wound down, residents headed in various directions, many stopping for refreshments at local businesses that remained open during the event.

The most recent addition to the trio of activities, the 8th Annual Hawleyville Tree Lighting & Toy Drive, filled Barnabas Plaza with sing-along carols, dancers, and the festive arrival Santa and Mrs Claus arriving by way of a brightly decorated Hawleyville Fire Company truck.

The event, sponsored by the Stony Hill Four Corners Business Association, welcomed both Newtown First Selectman Dan Rosenthal and Bethel First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker, who welcomed the hundred-plus guests and recognized outgoing Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra, who was in attendance.

While Hawleyville Postmaster Mark Favale shuttled bundles of donated toys for The Newtown Fund, Dance Etc students boogied to "The Peppermint Twist," before the Hawleyville Rockettes thrilled the crowd with a high stepping kick line.

Attendees joined together singing about Frosty and Rudolph, before queuing up with their little ones to take photos and have a few words with the Jolly Old Elf and his best girl.

All the while, cookies, beverages, and pizza slices from Papa Al's were served up, leaving everyone satisfied as they headed home to plan and enjoy the remaining days of December.