Ring in the holiday season right – right in downtown Milton – at the City’s upcoming Christmas in Crabapple event.

This beloved Milton tradition returns on December 7 to in-and-around Broadwell Pavilion. The fun will be focused under the pavilion as well as adjacent Broadwell Road, where we will set up a large activities tent. To allow for necessary set-up and break-down, Broadwell Road will close to vehicular traffic between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. that Saturday between Crabapple/Mayfield Road and Marstrow Drive; in other words, if you’re driving in that area that day, give yourself plenty of time or take alternate routes.

The actual festivities begin at 2 p.m., with Santa Claus arriving a short time later on a Milton fire truck escorted by members of the Cambridge High School drumline. Santa will settle into his seat to pose for free, professional photos with whomever wants them over the next few hours. No reservations are required.

Besides listening to kids’ wishes, looking photogenic, and later answering letters addressed to him, Santa’s big task of the day will be helping light Milton’s longtime Christmas tree. That’s expected to happen around 5:30 p.m., at which point the sun should be well on its way down.

In between Santa’s arrival and the tree lighting, there will be LOTS of fun to be had including:

• Face painting
• Balloon twisting
• Live music coordinated by the Milton Arts Council, including talented past Milton’s Got Talent winners and members of the Milton High School chorus
• Sugar cookie decorating (and eating!)
• Giant bubbles
• Christmas-themed arts and crafts
• A “Letter to Santa” station

If all those activities make you hungry, you’re in luck. Three food trucks should be on site: 1) Lisa’s Creperie, featuring sweet and savory crepes; 2) Tasty Sausage, with hot dogs, bratwursts, and more; and 3) Donut NV, selling donuts you can customize with your pick of toppings for. As if all that’s not enough, churros, hot chocolate (from Brewable), and coffee (from Caribou Coffee) will be available as well.

The City is grateful for the support of the Reid Casey real estate group, the event’s top-level “Santa Sponsor,” as well as “Rudolph Sponsor” Starfish Scholars of Milton.

Christmas in Crabapple will take place rain or shine unless there’s dangerous weather.  And it kicks off a busy few weeks of seasonal events including Pancakes with Santa (for all which registrations to see Santa are all claimed though anyone can come for breakfast),the debut of Tea Party with Mrs. Claus (where every spot is likewise taken), and the annual Menorah Lighting (on December 26 this year at 5 p.m. at Broadwell Pavilion).