by Michele Taranto

There were so many missed events during 2020 due to COVID-19 health restrictions. One beloved celebration that was cancelled last year was the Norwood Holiday Tree Lighting. As the country adjusts and resumes its traditions, so does the town of Norwood, and this opportunity to resume ‘normal’ activities will be a breath of fresh (and maybe nippy) air to kick off the holiday season!

It’s a perfect long weekend. It launches Thursday with a  lavish Thanksgiving meal, followed by masses of opportunities for retail bargains, and delicious leftovers. What could possibly top that? How about some well-deserved down time on Saturday, Nov. 28 to continue the celebration and further family time with a town tree lighting!

Norwood hosts a great afternoon free from the bustle of the crowds to offer an afternoon  that has become a favored holiday tradition,  The Holiday Tree Lighting! The fun-filled (and FREE) family event will be held on Saturday, November 28, 1:30-4 p.m., on the Town Common and the Norwood Civic Center. The celebration includes a reindeer dash, horse-drawn hayrides, festive entertainment, holiday readings, face painting, barnyard animals, a parade, and music. The afternoon concludes when Santa and Mrs.  Clause make their dramatic entrance and light up the Norwood Town Common!

The Reindeer Dash returns as children race around the Town Common and receive a set of antlers for participating. Face painting and holiday crafts will be offered on the common and barnyard animals will wait eagerly for visitors at the Civic Center. Horse-drawn hayrides will be also be available on the Town Common while local choirs will perform. The afternoon concludes with holiday readings, and a parade where Santa and Mrs. Clause arrive and light up the Norwood Town Common for the holiday lighting.

Plan that holiday shopping and decorating around the Holiday Tree Lighting for a community celebration the entire family will enjoy and remember for years to come!

Saturday, November 28

1:30-2 p.m.

Reindeer Dash

Town Common

1:30-3:30 p.m.

Face Painting

Ornament Decorating for the Holiday Tree

Town Common

2-3:30 p.m.

Horse Drawn Hayrides

Town Common

Barnyard Animals

Civic Center gym, Nahatan St.

2-3 p.m.

Local musical choirs

Walter J. Dempsey Bandstand

3 p.m.

A reading of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”

Walter J. Dempsey Bandstand

By Linda Rau

3:20 p.m.

Reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas”

Walter J. Dempsey Bandstand

By Selectwoman Helen Abdallah Donohue

3:35 p.m.

Parade leaving Guild Square to the Town Common

3:45 p.m.

Santa and Mrs. Claus turn on the Norwood’s Holiday Tree Lights

Town Common

This schedule is subject to change, depending on weather. 

Norwood residents would agree that no town unites like Norwood, and this year’s holiday celebration is a great opportunity to connect with friends and neighbors and kick off the holiday season!