Tree Lighting, Santa Set Holiday Mood In Orleans

ORLEANS – With Thanksgiving in the rearview, Orleans residents wasted little time shifting gears in anticipation of the holiday season.

The Orleans Improvement Association and Orleans Chamber of Commerce held their annual tree lighting ceremony Friday on Old Colony Way. The event started with a stroll from Snow Library up Main Street to the tree, which is situated across the street from the Hot Chocolate Sparrow.

Music was performed courtesy of students at Washashore Music, while the cast from the Academy of Performing Arts’ upcoming production of “Elf” performed songs from the production.

The holiday festivities continued Saturday morning at the Orleans Yacht Club, where Santa arrived by boat skippered by Orleans Natural Resources Manager Nate Sears. Santa met guests and listened to children’s wish lists while breakfast was served courtesy of The Rail.