Celebrate the Holidays in New Bedford

Highlights Include Downtown Holiday Stroll on Dec. 2, Downtown Tree
Lighting on Dec. 9, and Clasky Common Tree Lighting on Dec. 10

New Bedford, MA – Mayor Jon Mitchell announced that the City’s holiday season will kick off on Saturday, Dec. 2, with Downtown New Bedford’s Holiday Stroll and continue the following weekend with tree lightings Downtown on Dec. 9 and at Clasky Common on Dec. 10.

Downtown New Bedford Holiday Stroll

Saturday, Dec. 2, 12-5 p.m.

Location: Downtown New Bedford

Activities include:

City of New Bedford Downtown Tree Lighting

Saturday, Dec. 9, 5-6 p.m.

Location: Downtown New Bedford, Pleasant Street in front of Main Library

  • Join Mayor Mitchell for the annual tree-lighting celebration. This year’s emcee will be Armand Marchand, executive producer for New Bedford Festival Theater.
  • At 4:30 p.m., a parade will march from the bottom of William Street, near the Whaling Museum, to the library steps for the tree lighting. The parade will feature the New Bedford High School marching band and color guard, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and surprise guests.
  • Remarks at the library by Mayor Mitchell will be followed by a sing-along with New Bedford Festival Theater. The sing-along will feature classic holiday songs and some new hits. Song books will be provided.
  • Free hot chocolate will be offered courtesy of Community Services and New Life Church.

Clasky Common Park Tree Lighting

Sunday, Dec. 10, 5 p.m.

Location: Clasky Common Park, County and Pope Streets

  • Remarks by Mayor Mitchell
  • Performance by the Parker School Chorus
  • Guest appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus