Published November 30, 2018

MELROSE — There’s always plenty to do during the Chamber of Commerce’s Home for the Holidays extravaganza, and the 2018 edition is certainly no exception.

Beginning this afternoon and continuing into Sunday, the activities and offerings represent the best of this great season.

This year Edward Jones Investments and The Kim Perrotti Team – Leading Edge are the event’s main presenters.

Here are some of the highlights of this year’s Home for the Holidays.

On Friday, November 30:

• Santa is holding court at Edward Jones! Bring your children in for a photo – be sure to bring your camera or smart phone. Edward Jones Investments, 502 Main St., 4 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. and again at 6:30 p.m.

• Tree Lighting and Singing, City Hall Lawn, Main Street, 5:45 p.m. Start the holiday season with the lighting of the City holiday tree by Mayor Gail Infurna, with lighting donated by LCM PLUS. To help you get into the holiday spirit we will have the musical group Main Street News lead the audience in some songs. Bring your singing voice!

• Santa arrives, Main Street, downtown Melrose, 6:20 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Following the City Hall tree lighting, Mayor Infurna turns on the downtown holiday lights along Main Street, and Santa Claus arrives in Melrose! Enjoy holiday music by DJ Tommy at the courtyard of the YMCA on Main Street.

The festivities continue for people of all ages with entertainment, holiday music, shopping and dining throughout downtown on Friday and then all over Melrose on Saturday. 

There are all kinds of church fairs, tree and wreath sales, dramatic and musical performances and much, much more. There also will be a Living Nativity in front of the First Baptist Church at the corner of Main and Upham streets at 5 p.m. Saturday.

Activities wrap up Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mount Hood Clubhouse, 100 Slayton Rd., with a Children’s Holiday Party. Everyone’s invited to this popular and festive event which includes live musical entertainment, a visit by Santa Claus, and children sing-alongs! Desserts and refreshments will be served. This year organizers have invited back the Balloon Magic of Yarrow, who will entertain children with his amazing balloon magic, twisting them into various shapes with embedded LED lights and given to children in attendance. There will also be face painting for kids.

All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information, call 781-665-8172.