Opinion

Op-Ed: Help Us Bring Holiday Lights to New Canaan

By |

We all know just how magical our town can be during the holidays, and we’re reaching out to invite you to play a pivotal role in preserving a beloved tradition. This year, we aim to raise $30,000 to fund the Holiday Lights that grace our downtown trees from Thanksgiving through early January. These beautiful lights, professionally installed, transform our town into a winter wonderland, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere during the darkest months of the year. The Holiday Lights are more than just decorations; they are a gift that New Canaanites give to each other. They foster a sense of togetherness and joy, reminding us of the beauty of our community spirit.

News

Letter: New Canaan’s Holiday Stroll—What Is It All About?

By |

The weekend after Thanksgiving is dedicated to putting the spotlight on New Canaan’s downtown. The Holiday Stroll was started by a group of local merchants 18 years ago and has evolved to be one of New Canaan’s most beloved traditions.  The Chamber invites you to head downtown 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2 to walk under the lights, browse in the stores, watch a show performed by young local talent, eat delicious food, and take a selfie with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The Stroll functions as New Canaan’s answer to “Small Business Saturday”, reminding all of us to “think local first” when shopping for friends and family this Holiday season! For young families we encourage you to come back to town 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday to catch up with Santa who will be at Houlihan Lawrence at 161 Elm St.

Business

Op-Ed: What Is the New Canaan Holiday Stroll All About?

By |

For the past 16 years the weekend after Thanksgiving has been dedicated to putting the spotlight on New Canaan’s downtown stores and restaurants. 

The Holiday Stroll was started by a group of local merchants 17 years ago and has evolved to be one of New Canaan’s most beloved traditions. The Stroll allows residents and visitors to kick off the holiday shopping season by heading into downtown New Canaan to walk under the lights, look in to store windows, watch a show performed by young local talent, eat delicious food, and share your wish list with Santa. We usually write a “Thank You” letter and publish it in the local press after the event. But we thought since we have so many new residents we should share our appreciation ahead of time, so everyone can understand how important this event is to our business district and how many people are involved in pulling it off. We hope you will head to town this Friday evening with your friends and family.

Homepage Featured

Letter from Chamber: Thanks, New Canaan, for Spreading the Holiday Spirit

By |

While the Chamber was not able to host everyone in town for the annual Holiday Stroll, there was plenty of holiday magic in New Canaan this December. 

So many of our community members worked together to make downtown feel special and we wanted to take this opportunity to give a special shout out to the people and organizations that helped the Chamber keep so many of New Canaan’s important traditions alive. Over 170 families, organizations and businesses donated to the 2020 Holiday Lights campaign which lit up downtown New Canaan starting the week of Thanksgiving. Of course, a big shout out to Rob Hutchinson and his dedicated crew who carefully place and maintain the lights over the three months they are up. Marc Harrison and his team of SLOBS (Service League of Boys) gave up a Sunday afternoon to hang the garland and white lights which had been donated by Greggs Garden Center on all the lampposts in town. Also, an extra thank you to long time New Canaan residents Dan Mulhern, Scott Melland and John Linnartz for acting as crew chiefs.

Around Town

New Canaan Chamber Of Commerce Announces 12th Annual Holiday Stroll

By |

The 12th Annual Holiday Stroll, presented by the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce, will be held in the village center from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. As is the tradition of this highly anticipated, free kick-off to the holiday season in New Canaan, Friday evening will feature the arrival of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, who will help us officially kick off the holiday season! Residents of all ages and backgrounds gather on New Canaan’s Elm Street, which is closed to traffic, to enjoy the festivities: singing Christmas carols and enjoying musical performances by the Students of the Studio, Performing Arts Conservatory, The New Canaan Dance Academy, Saxe Saxaphones and the Magical Music Singers.