Town of Manchester Newsletter for Important Town News, Information, and Events.
Over the next 2 weeks, crews will be doing a leaf collection test run in select areas to test equipment functionality. This is not the official leaf pickup. A second, formal pass will follow later to collect leaves properly. The official leaf collection programs begins November 10. Thank you for your patience while we fine-tune the process.
Next date: Saturday, November 29, 2025 | 05:00 PM to 06:30 PM
Manchester continues a weekend of traditional holiday festivities Downtown that starts Thanksgiving Morning with the Manchester Road Race by sharing the joy of the season with our annual Community Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 29! The Saturday festivities start at 4:15pm at Silk City Coffee, 763 Main St for caroling and FREE hot cocoa with the jolly old Elf Santa Claus himself! Silk City Attendees will also be given a free commemorative ornament to bring home (first come, first served while supplies last)! At about 4:50pn Manchester Fire Department will pick Santa up for the short ride to Center Church while everyone else is invited to carol up the street to the tree! At about 5pm another round of caroling begins outside the church around the tree, while inside the church there will be free activities for the whole family, including hot cocoa, baked goods and treats and more! The mayor takes center stage at 5:35 or so for a holiday welcome, and we light the tree about 5:45! The festivities continue inside and on the church lawn until 6:30pm! Check back often as additional details are confirmed and posted here on the event page! The 2025 Community Tree Lighting in downtown Manchester is the tree lighting event to be at for all residents of Central Connecticut! The tree, donated and planted by Newcity Builders, stands near the church's other Christmas decorations each year. So, plan to spend the afternoon downtown to do your holiday shopping, grab dinner, and enjoy this free event!
Center Congregational Church, 11 Center Street, Manchester, CT, 06040, View Map
11 Center Street , Manchester, CT 06040
Free