MARLBOROUGH – It was “Home for the Holidays” with ice skating, a train, a winter market, a chowder/chili contest and much more.
On Sunday, Dec. 8, the Marlborough Downtown Village Association teamed up with the city for a Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting. Main Street from South Bolton to Mechanic streets was closed off to give visitors a chance to walk around and check out some of the features.
In front of Flying Dreams Brewing, several restaurants took part in the chowder/chili contest. The location also served as a locus for the trackless train, which brought visitors from one end of Main Street to the other.
In the parking lot across from City Hall, visitors could put on a pair of skates and try out the rink. Behind City Hall in the plaza, vendors offered food, holiday gifts and more at a winter market.
The pop-up shops were also open; close by, Bella the owl greeted visitors as the winged ambassador for the Gianquinto Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
Around the Vin Bin, there were carolers dressed in Victorian costumes, along with a s’mores station.
As it began to darken, the crowds moved to Union Common for the holiday tree lighting. Marlborough High’s mixed chorus and a-cappella groups began with a performance of several holiday favorites.
Santa and Mayor J. Christian Dumais arrived by fire truck, as Santa sat and began to take holiday wishes, Dumais led a countdown and pushed the button to light the tree.
The tree lighting also featured free hot chocolate and popcorn, and a petting zoo.
