The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is pleased to kick off the season with the annual Holiday Tree Lighting. The ceremony will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Central Square in downtown Rochester. This event, underwritten by Lighthouse Credit Union, will feature the lighting of Rochester’s tree to officially start the 2024 holiday season.

The Holiday Tree Lighting includes a program of family activities sponsored by Palmer Gas & Oil, featuring a reading of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas by Rochester Mayor Paul Callaghan, caroling, and dance performances by Studio 109 Dance, Voice & Drama. Cookie decorating at the Chamber office will be provided by the Rochester Child Care Center. Attendees can enjoy cookies and hot chocolate from Potters House Bakery & Café, and a special visit from Santa Claus at the Chamber office, located at 18 South Main Street, between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. The event will be video recorded for rebroadcast during the holiday season, sponsored by Holy Rosary Credit Union. The evening’s entertainment sponsor is Lilac Club Casino, with lighting provided by the Rochester Fire Department and sound by Rochester Main Street.

In conjunction with the Tree Lighting, there will be a collection drive to benefit Hope On Haven Hill, sponsored by Great Bay Facility Maintenance Service, Inc. Items needed include new books for children ages 8–17, new puzzles for ages 12+, toilet paper, and paper towels. A full list of items can be found at the Chamber office or online at rochesternh.org/collection. Donations may be dropped off at the Chamber office now through December 16, 2024. A collection sleigh will also be available at the Tree Lighting on December 6, in front of the Chamber office.

For more information about the Holiday Tree Lighting, the Hope On Haven Hill collection drive, or entry forms for Rochester’s “Holiday Parade of Lights” on Sunday, December 8, please contact the Chamber office at 603-332-5080 or visit rochesternh.org.