Bethel Tradition Brightens The Christmas Season

BETHEL, Conn. – Bethel residents gathered recently for a full day of festivities with a small-town feel to enjoy the Christmas season.

Santa arrives at the Bethel tree lighting.
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

Boy Scouts dish up soup at the Bethel tree lighting.
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

Residents enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides before the Bethel tree lighting.
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

A creche adds to the Christmas scene in Bethel.
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

Carols sing Christmas songs at the Bethel tree lighting.
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

Spectators of all ages and generations enjoy the Bethel tree lighting.
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

Santa Claus arrives on a vintage fire truck at the Bethel tree lighting.
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

Residents turn out on a mild evening to enjoy the Bethel tree lighting.
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

The tree brightens downtown Bethel.
Photo Credit: *Nicole Kasseris*

by Nicole Kasseris

12/23/2015 4:30 a.m.

A horse-drawn carriage trotted down Greenwood Avenue, taking kids for rides as they sang along to Christmas tunes in an event sponsored by Union Savings Bank.

Bethel United Methodist Church served up its Gingerbread Festival, while local restaurants and Boy Scout Troops dished up bowls of soup. At Bethel Arts Gallery, kids and adults made ornaments and sang carols while shopping. Kids roasted marshmallows and warmed up by the fire in P.T. Barnum Square.

As darkness fell, the town's Christmas tree was officially lit as the Bethel High School Choir sang Christmas carols. Afterward, you could hear the echo of “ho ho ho!” as Santa Claus arrived on a vintage firetruck. He took a seat of honor on a rocking chair in front of the Christmas tree and gave out candy canes and listened to kids' wish lists.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Newtown and receive free news updates.