FRAMINGHAM, MA - In past years a town-wide effort was made to bring people together to light the "Official" Christmas Tree in Downtown Framingham.  At past tree lightings, school children would carol on the steps of the Memorial Building, Santa might have shown up riding atop a Framingham Fire Engine, and after the tree lighting children would be welcomed into Nevins Hall for hot chocolate, cookies, candy canes and a chance to spend some time with friends, neighbors and family and maybe have a photo taken with Santa.

In a press release today, The City of Framingham announced it will cancel this year’s tree lighting event to discourage gathering and COVID-19 transmission.

“Framingham’s Tree Lighting is one of my favorite events because it connects us as a community and brings forward the true spirit of the season. The decision to cancel the event this year was a difficult one,” said Mayor Yvonne M. Spicer. “I’m hopeful that next year we can gather as a community and ring in the season.”

A 30-foot Norway Spruce, donated to the city by a Southside resident in honor of Framingham’s brave veterans, will still be decorated and festively lit for people to enjoy as they travel by City Hall -- but no "gathering" of residents for the lighting will occur.

Framingham’s Department of Public Works (DPW) will deliver the tree to City Hall on Friday, November 27, and DPW and Facilities will decorate the tree on Monday, November 30. The tree will be lit for the entire month of December.

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