The Village of New Berlin celebrated their 10th annual tree lighting ceremony last year and Terry Potter and his son Kai met Santa during the event. (Submitted photo)

NEW BERLIN — Festivities will abound at New Berlin’s 11th annual Christmas Tree lighting event at 6 p.m. and Santa’s arrival at 6:30 p.m, December 2, located at Hyde Park on Main Street.

New Berlin Mayor Peter Lennon said the Community Events Committee is hosting the tree lighting event and invite all to join in the joyous celebration of the season.

Lennon said this event is “something right out of a Hallmark movie” and he said it’s a great opening to the holiday season, bringing the community together with families and friends socializing long after the end of the formal performances.”

“Hyde Park offers a safe and spacious alternative with two large spruce trees to be lit and the gazebo for musical activities and a visit from Santa. A special mailbox will be set up to send letters to the North Pole,” he said.

“Although the Baio family has graciously offered their open property at the intersections of Route 8 and 80 for several years, a potential sale made its availability uncertain when event planning started in the summer,” Lennon said.

Lennon said The Otsego School of Dance will perform “A Radio City Christmas’ and Broadway Star Jeff Keller and The Village Voices will wrap up the formal performances with two well-known songs from their upcoming December 17 Christmas concert.

Preferred Mutual is also sharing the holiday spirit by offering attendees free glow-light bracelets said the mayor.

Attendees can enjoy pre-event treats starting at 5:00 p.m. with free cookies and hot chili provided by local churches. Cupcakes from Kelly Banks Cakes, hot coffee and cocoa from The Nook Coffee House, and Chobani will again be on-site to host their free case give away at the conclusion of the performances.

For further information, email eventscommittee.vnb@gmail.com