By Kolby LaMarche

Church Street Marketplace will hold its annual Santa Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony later today.. The events mark the start of the holiday season in the area.

The Santa Parade began today at noon at City Hall. It included Santa, Aero the Griffin, Rally Cat, Miss Vermont, Miss Vermont’s Teen, local groups, and businesses. The parade route ran through downtown to Church Street Marketplace. After the parade, Santa will greet visitors at Homeport until 4 p.m.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony starts at 5:15 p.m. on the Top Block of Church Street. It features carols and a 30-minute performance of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Bag O’ Chips Productions. 

The group’s show includes audience participation. At 6 p.m., Wish-Kid Averil will turn on the lights for the 30-foot Christmas tree. The tree was donated by the Whitney family of South Burlington. Partners including SavATree, Burlington Police Department, Burlington Water Department, S.D. Ireland, and Demag Riggers & Crane Service helped deliver and install it earlier this week.

Workers also installed 100,000 LED lights along the four blocks of the Marketplace. Other decorations include oversized ornaments on lampposts, a menorah, and North Pole Express Mailboxes for letters to Santa. The mailboxes are available from November 28 to December 14 on the Top Block and City Hall Block. Letters do not need postage, and replies may be sent if a return address is included.

November 28 is the first of four “Festive Fridays” through December 19. Stores will stay open until 8 p.m. for shopping. Visitors can get free hot chocolate with a $25 purchase at places like Ben & Jerry’s, Black Cap Coffee & Bakery, Burlington Bagel Bakery, and Muddy Waters. A Light Parade of decorated trucks starts at 6 p.m. It features vehicles from S.D. Ireland, Milton Rental, Troy’s Toy Drive, and Burlington Police Department.

A new Snowflake Hunt begins tonight and runs through December 21. Children ages 1-12 can pick up a board at Homeport, find hidden snowflakes in businesses, collect stickers, and get a Vermont Santa ornament at Homeport while supplies last.

The Marketplace has more than 100 stores and restaurants. Events are free and open to the public. Parking is available in the area. The Downtown Garage offers two hours free with a ParkMobile session, which may include a 35-cent fee. Parking is free on Sundays at city facilities, including the Marketplace Garage.