For many locals it signals the official start of the holiday season–I’m talking about the annual Westfield Tree Lighting, of course. Sponsored by the Downtown Westfield Corporation, this year’s lighting will take place on Sunday, November 30th, at 5:30 p.m. on the front lawn of the train station on North Ave.

Bundle up the kids because that jolly old St. Nick and his better half, Mrs. Claus, will be arriving at the event–on a fire engine, no less. You’ll also be treated to holiday tunes performed by the stellar 25-piece Westfield Community Band. Mayor Skibitsky will be the one to flip the switch and light the gargantuan tree.

Xocolatz will be passing out delicious hot chocolate and cookies, and the Lions Club will serve up hot apple cider!  Many downtown businesses will stay open late and offer special deals all weekend (the previous day is Small Business Saturday), so don’t forget your wallet, because you can knock off some items from your shopping list while you enjoy the festivities.