MIDDLETOWN - Thomas Byrne, Chairman of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce Central Business Bureau, announced Holiday On Main Street will kick-off Friday, Nov. 27, from 4 to 8:15 p.m. The Holiday on Main Street Committee, chaired by Al Santostefano and co-chairman Rich Greco, in conjunction with the City of Middletown and the Commission on the Arts, invites everyone to ring in the festive season by attending the three tree-lighting ceremonies and parade along Main Street, Middletown. Last year, over 2,500 people were able to enjoy the holiday sights and sounds on the South Green and more are expected this year.

       At 4 p.m. in front of Middlesex Chamber, there will be wagon rides until 5 p.m. and the Kiwanis Club of Middletown members will be selling Hot Pretzels & Popcorn. In front of the Church of the Holy Trinity, Middletown High School Crew Team will be selling Hot Chocolate, Coffee & Desserts. At 5 p.m. the Middletown Area Transit Holiday Bus will shuttle people to the South Green for the Carol Sing and First Tree Lighting.

       The Carol Sing with the Middletown High School Concert Choir will begin at 5 p.m. prior to the tree-lightings, directed by Michael Gosselin and the Woodrow Wilson seventh and eighth grade chorus. The Keigwin Middle School Chorus will appear, directed by Ali Sinicrope sponsored by Middletown Commission On the Arts, with Emcee Don DeCesare from WMRD / WLIS Radio. The Cat in the Hat and Splat the Cat arrives on a wagon ride with 3rd grade Middletown students, who were chosen by their teachers because they show good citizenship, good behavior, is respectful to others and demonstrates the spirit of giving in everyday life.

       The first Tree-Lighting at 6 p.m. will be the big tree on the South Green and will be led by Mayor Daniel Drew and Santa Claus along with Alexis Volpe, Miss Middletown Outstanding Teen 2016.

       After the Tree is lit on the South Green, there will be a Parade up Main Street led by the Middletown High School Band and Santa Claus to the Middlesex Chamber where the Tree on the roof will be lit at 6:15 p.m. for the second Tree-Lighting of the night followed by free pictures with Santa, wagon rides for the whole family until 8 p.m.

       At 8:15 p.m. there will be festivities in front of Eli Cannon’s Tap Room at 695 Main St. for the third and final Tree-Lighting of the night. Here, Santa will arrive to light the Tree and there will be elves on hand to provide all children with complimentary popcorn, cookies, hot chocolate and other treats.

       On Saturday, Nov. 28, the festivities continue from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with many family-friendly activities.

       Starting at 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., The Civitan Club of Middletown will sell popcorn and hot pretzels in front of the Chamber with holiday music played by Harvest Woods Audio. The Middletown High School Crew Team will sell hot chocolate, coffee and desserts in front of the Church of the Holy Trinity.

       Family activities also begin at 10:30 a.m., The Fun Train will offer free rides on the sidewalk around downtown until 2:30 p.m. See the joy on kids’ faces riding two free mechanical animals; Maurice, the Great Christmas Moose & Sno-cat, the Siberian Snow Tiger. Bring your camera, children will have the opportunity to meet Santa and enjoy free horse and wagon rides.

       Join Mayor Dan Drew and Splat the Cat for holiday story time at the Inn at Middletown from 11:30 a.m to noon. At the end of the reading, there will be a book signing by Splat the Cat, this event is sponsored by Broad Street Books.

       There will also be a Kung Fu Demonstration by children and adults who will demonstrate the beauty and power of Kung Fu. The demonstration is presented by Tat Wong Kung Fu Academy starting at 1:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. and will take place in the Middletown Fire Department.

       Be sure not to miss the Indoor Winter Wonderland with crafts, sensory playtime, and hot cocoa at Adelbrook’s Sense-Able Solutions from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Hop on board Amato’s Toy & Hobby’s sixth annual Holiday Train Exhibit. See wonderful displays of model trains from 1 to 4 p.m., the exhibit is free with a donation to Amazing Grace Food Pantry.

       There will be another chance to give back at the Webster Bank’s 10th Annual Giving Tree (363 Main St.), which will benefit the Amazing Grace Food Pantry. For a list of accepted non-perishable donations needed, please contact Amy Glowka at 860-638-6906 or aglowka@websterbank.com . Drop off times are Monday-Wednesday, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.; andThursday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Also on Saturdays at the Middlesex Chamber during Holiday On Main Street.

       Each Tree-Lighting is free of charge to the public. Holiday on Main Street continues Saturdays Dec. 5, 12 and 19. Parking is free in City parking lots during Holiday On Main Street. Main Street parking will be monitored. Visit www.HolidayOnMain.com for the full schedule and more events during the month of December!

       For more information on 2015 Middletown Holiday on Main Street, go to www.HolidayOnMain.com or contact Cathy Duncan at 860-347-6924 or aglowka@websterbank.com .