For Londonderry, the Christmas season starts with the annual lighting of the tree in the town center. This year’s Christmas on the Commons, presented by the Rotary Club of Londonderry, will happen on Dec. 3 starting at 3 p.m. Children can look forward to seeing Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elf arrive by fire truck, courtesy of the Londonderry Fire Department.
This year’s festivities include carols by local Boy and Girl Scouts starting at 3 p.m., as well as food and drinks designed to keep you warm. Hot cider, warm cocoa and chili are on the menu with some cookies for dessert, all provided by members of the Rotary Club.
The club has been organizing the holiday celebration for 25 years, and Faye Sell of Martinelli Travel has been a part of it for the last 23.
“I’m passionate about the Rotary,” she said.
She is spearheading the event, but Sell said, “the club total is working on it together.”
Sell explained that there will be 22 trees brought to the common on Nov. 25 for local children to come and decorate before the tree lighting on Dec. 3. Shady Hill Nursery and LawnButler Landscaping are donating the trees. They will stay up through the holiday season for the whole town to enjoy.
Families can look forward to Santa’s arrival by fire truck at 4 p.m. where kids can regale their Christmas wish list and get a photo taken.
Members of the fire department will be on hand to help keep keep things merry and bright with a fire pit while attendees listen to their favorite carols and holiday songs performed by the scouts and members of the Londonderry High School Chorus.
Sell expects approximately 150 children and family members to attend. She said, “we gage that by how many candy canes we give away.”
Sell looks forward to the spectacle every year and “watching the excitement of the children.”
“It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season,” she said.
Any interested groups can contact Sell at (603) 434-4989 to inquire about the tree decorating.