Details concerning the three tree lightings in Newtown this holiday season have been announced. Two are planned for the first weekend in December, and the third will close the following weekend.

The 41st Annual Ram Pasture Tree Lighting is scheduled for Friday, December 12, at Ram Pasture.

Jan Brown and Bruce Goulart have been tapped to serve as the honorary countdown leaders.

As in years past, live entertainment will begin at 6:30 pm. Local dancers and high school students traditionally warm up the crowd ahead of Santa’s arrival and then the lighting of the tree.

Children are also welcome to bring letters for Santa. A special North Pole mailbox will be set up for the evening.

Ahead of the celebration next weekend, donations are sought to cover the costs associated with the annual tree event.

Donors may contribute $10 for a bulb or luminaria to honor someone special. Luminaria will line Ram Pasture and many of the roads in the immediate area on December 12.

Readers are invited to send a check payable to Newtown Parks & Recreation Park Gift Fund, and mailed to Newtown Parks & Recreation, 8 Simpson Street, Newtown CT 06470. Donors should indicate who they are honoring, and whether they wish to celebrate or memorialize someone with a luminaria or bulb.

Checks can also be dropped off at the Parks & Recreation office, within Newtown Community Center on Simpson Street.

Donations can also be made online at newtown-ct.gov/parks-recreation.

The fundraising effort will continue through the end of the year.

Sandy Hook Center Lampposts

Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity (SHOP) is conducting its annual Adopt A Lamppost fundraiser, illuminating Sandy Hook Village with festive lights and hometown spirit this holiday season.

There are 79 lampposts available for adoption throughout the village, and readers are invited to claim one through sandyhookvillage.com. Adoption prices start at $75.

Whether an individual, family, or local business, all participation will help brighten the streets and foster a sense of community togetherness throughout the holiday season. Each adoption includes pine garland roping, a festive bow, lights, and an oversize gift tag “adopters” are encouraged to decorate.

Participants can pick up their gift tags in advance at PJ’s Laundromat to decorate before installation day. Creativity is encouraged, while keeping in mind the tags will be displayed outdoors and should withstand the elements.

The community Decorating Day will take place Sunday, November 30, at 10 am. Participants are invited to meet at Heritage Park pavilion, 7 Glen Road. Materials will be distributed and SHOP members will demonstrate the best way to wrap a lamppost securely for the season’s weather.

For more information or to adopt a lamppost, visit sandyhookvillage.com or find SHOP-Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity on Facebook.

Sandy Hook Tree Lighting

Readers are invited to join Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity (SHOP) for its 25th Annual Sandy Hook Village Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 6, in Sandy Hook Village.

This is a fun, family-friendly outdoor event that will have festivities within the Church Hill Road-Washington Avenue-Riverside Road-Glen Road business district starting at 4 pm. All ages will be invited to meet Santa Claus and enjoy karaoke from 5 to 6 pm, with the tree in Sandy Hook Center to then be lit at 6.

Those who give Santa a nonperishable food item for FAITH Food Pantry before 6 o’clock will be entered into a drawing for the opportunity to light the tree.

Caroling will follow.

For additional information, visit SandyHookVillage.com.

Hawleyville December 14

Hawleyville Volunteer Fire Company will hold its annual tree lighting on Sunday, December 14, at 5:30 pm, at its firehouse, 34 Hawleyville Road.

The Spotlight Dancers will entertain merrymakers while they wait for the countdown that lights the tree and beckons Santa to stop by for a visit. The ladies from Hawleyville Post Office will provide cookies and hot cocoa, while Papa Al’s will serve free cheese pizzas.

Emcee Dean Snellback will play songs of the season, and the First Selectman will officiate.

Families will be invited to take photos with Santa, as children will have an opportunity to whisper in his ear.

There is no rain date for this event. In case of inclement weather, patrons should check Hawleyville Fire Company’s Facebook page.