New Fairfield’s Parks & Recreation crew keeps residents busy with fun gat
herings and programs all year round, but its festive holiday activities are special highlights. Town residents may want to participate in the lightheartedly competitive Great Light Fight decoration contest
and others may want to head to the always-entertaining tree lighting and light parade.
Holiday Light Parade/ Tree Lighting, Nov. 30
A day to delight the senses, New Fairfield’s Holiday Light Parade and Tree Lighting has
evolved into an annual town favorite. Park & Recreation’s Director Linda Lull says, “We hope residents come out to join in the day’s festivities and celebrate together during this holiday community event.” Packed with activities for all ages from the noon hour on, the line-up for the Saturday, November 30 includes:
12:30pm-3:30pm
Santa’s Workshop and Gingerbread House at the New Fairfield Library. Children can visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves at Santa’s Workshop upstairs in the library and they can receive a free book and can complete a craft (while supplies last). As this is a very busy event, reservations for a photo with Santa are a must! Call 203-312-5633 by Nov. 29 at 11am.• Take a free ride on the HART Transit Trolley. The trolley will stop in front of Town Hall making various stops around the town center and returning to Town Hall.
• Sarah’s Gift N’ Ship will have a holiday craft for children to make.
• The Goodie Shoppe will be offering children hot chocolate for $1.50.
• The NF Food Center invites children to stop by for a special holiday treat.
• At Bruno’s Pizzeria, children will receive one slice of cheese pizza for $1.00.
• Head to The Olde 37 Patio & Grill for a free cookie.
• Participants age 21 and older can visit Fairwood Wines & Liquors, Heritage Wine & Liquor, and New Fairfield Liquor Shop for tastings.
1:00-3:00pm
• Visit the New Fairfield Historical Society at the Little Red Schoolhouse for refreshments, a children’s craft, or come to view the decorated schoolhouse.
• Stop in at Reilly Biasetti Real Estate to complete a holiday craft.
5:15pm
The Holiday Light parade will begin at the intersection of Saw Mill Rd. and RT. 37. The parade will turn right onto RT. 37 heading towards the traffic light. It will then bear left at light and proceed past Town Hall. Santa will arrive at the end of the parade to light the holiday tree at Memorial Field. Calling all entries! Any groups, organizations, or businesses who would like to participate in the parade should contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 203-312-5633. Advertise, have fun, and show your holiday spirit!
5:45pm
Join Santa in lighting the town Christmas tree. The NFHS Chamber Ensemble will sing carols at the gazebo. Complementary refreshments will be served by Starbucks, with hot chocolate provided by Gil’s Automotive and the New F
airfield Parks & Recreation Commission, and hot cider and treats provided by St. Edwards. Cookies will be provided by the New Fairfield Senior Center.
New Fairfield’s Great Holiday Light Fight
In its second year, New Fairfield’s Great Holiday Light Fight gives residents a chance to express their creativity while competing for the title of most “All Out” house. Participants will have until Dec. 5 at dusk to deck out their houses, at which point judges will view all the entrants and choose a winner based on holiday spirit, use of lights, and overall design. Homeowners who participate can choose whether to add their addresses to a list that will be provided to fellow residents for viewing the holiday creations. Interested residents should contact the Parks & Recreation Office at 203-312-5633. The winner will be awarded a $100 gift card.
There’s plenty to do around town in the coming weeks. Bundle up and have fun!

Story by Sarah Opdahl