Singing, Santa ring in Winfield's holiday

There will be plenty of goodies and Christmas carols as Winfield flicks the switch on its holiday tree for the season.

Everything kicks off around 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, when the Winfield Fire Department gives Santa Claus a ride to the tree-lighting event at the Village Green, near Winfield and Jewell roads.

The area by the village hall has been the spot of Winfield's holiday tree since the roughly 25-foot spruce was donated to the community in 1997.

Kathy Grand, one of the village employees who planned Saturday's event, said Santa and town officials will say a few words before the decorated tree is lit at 4:30 p.m.

“It's a community gathering,” Grand said. “It's a nice way to get some of the community together.”

Earlier that day, the Winfield Junior Woman's Club will host a “Snacks with Santa” event for Winfield children at Winfield Central School. Grand said organizers hope families attending that event also will attend the tree-lighting ceremony.

Something new to the ceremony this year is that the choir from St. John the Baptist School will lead the crowd in a few carols.

“I am hoping that will inspire more residents to come out and see the children sing,” Grand said.

As always, free refreshments will be served, including hot chocolate provided by John's Restaurant and cookies supplied by the village.

“It's not a huge, elaborate event,” Grand said. “It's something to start the holiday season off.”

For details about Winfield's tree-lighting ceremony, call the village hall at (630) 933-7100.