Burlington to Light the Night for 52nd Year

Burlington will once again be making spirits bright with their 52nd Annual Tree Lighting on December 2 at 5:30 PM. Families can enjoy a night filled with holiday festivities, highlighted by a visit from Santa himself. 

Jeff DiSalvo, the Program Coordinator at Burlington Parks and Recreation, said he has worked with the department for three years but this is his second as Program Coordinator. He said his role is to overlook the programming of various town trips and events, and the tree lighting is one of his favorites to be a part of. 

DiSalvo said the tree lighting on the Burlington Town Common is a “pretty long-standing tradition to have,” so quite a bit of planning goes into this festive night. He said one of the most important steps is to secure Santa, who will ride into town greeting children on an antique firetruck owned by a local Burlington family. In addition, DiSalvo said, the department is working with companies to schedule fireworks, inflatable attractions for entertainment, and more. 

“Then we also have sponsors that we reach out to,” said DiSalvo, “ who come to provide some fun stuff for all the residents who come to the event.”

DiSalvo said that when planning this event, it’s essential to be creative with the budget while also trying to “provide a lot for the people that are coming.” He said it can also be hard when the dark and the weather don’t cooperate, and it can be overwhelming when crowds get really excited to see Santa, but making sure everything runs smoothly and safely is his top priority. 

This town tradition has become a way for the community of Burlington to kick off their Christmas season, and for many it has also become generational. DiSalvo said from the holiday treats to the bright lights people love it all and come back every year to enjoy with their families. 

“You know, I think there's probably a lot of residents that came to it as a kid and now maybe have children and get to bring their kids to it now,” DiSalvo said. 

This year, DiSalvo said visitors can expect an assortment of holiday fun that will have something for everyone. Of course Santa will be making his appearance on the Town Common to light up the night, but families can also enjoy performances from caroling groups, festive holiday-themed inflatables, and some popcorn and hot cocoa to munch and sip while admiring the colorful lights. 

DiSalvo said after so many years of offering this cherished tradition, the town has found a formula that works.  Rather than trying to reinvent the event, he said, it’s more about “having fun out with the community,” and he hopes people will continue to enjoy the event as they ring in the holiday spirit.