Tree Lighting tonight, Symphony/Shiloh Concert tomorrow, VWB House Tour Sunday

Crowds gather at a stop on a recent Van Wyck Brooks House Tour.

The end-of-year Holiday season gets under way in Plainfield this week with a several not-to-miss events.

FRIDAY: ANNUAL CITY HALL TREE LIGHTING

Friday, December 2. 6:00 PM. Plainfield's traditional Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on City Hall steps, corner of Watchung Avenue and East 6th Street.

Special guests and choirs will provide an exciting event including carols, a visit from Santa (and pictures with Santa), plus hot chocolate provided by Plainfield's Salvation Army Citadel. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held on December 9.

SATURDAY: HALLELUJAH! CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT SHILOH

Saturday, December 3. 3:00 PM. At Shiloh Baptist Church, West 4th Street at Liberty Street. Thrill to music of the season as the Plainfield Symphony and Shiloh's Choirs join to celebrate Christmas! With guest conductor Michael Avigliano, choir director Wendell Woods and soloist Kian Freitas.
Selections include Handel's 'Hallelujah Chorus' as well as classical, choral and Gospel favorites, including Leroy Anderson and Quincy Jones.
Tickets: $40/reserved, $25/regular seating, $20/Senior, $10 student. Tickets may be purchased online at the Plainfield Symphony website here, or at the website of Shiloh Baptist Church here.

SUNDAY: VWB's OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS HOUSE TOUR

Stained glass medallion of a falconer at a recently featured
Van Wyck Brooks House Tour site.

Sunday, December 4. Noon to 6:00 PM (Tickets available up to 4:30 PM). Pick up map and start tour at 946 Madison Avenue. Nine of the Van Wyck Brooks' Historic Districts magnificent homes will be open to visitors in all their holiday splendor.
This is always one of Plainfield's biggest draws, with throngs of visitors from the tri-state area. Three of the District's resident artists -- photographer Richard Lear, landscapist Gerry Heydt, and Maria Mijares, who does large transportation-themed installations -- will be taking part, with selections of their work on view and available for purchase. This year there will also be limited quantities of the District's 2012 calendar and a special commemorative Christmas tree ornament.
Tickets are $20/advance and $25/day of tour. Tickets may be purchased online at the Van Wyck Brooks HD website here through December 3, or in person at Swain Gallery, Watchung Avenue at East 7th Street; or Ahrre's Coffee Roastery, 104 Elm Street, Westfield.

ADVENT LESSONS & CAROLS AT GRACE

Sunday, December 4. 5:00 PM. At Grace Episcopal Church, East 7th Street at Cleveland Avenue (between Park and Watchung Avenues). The traditional Anglican service of Lessons and Carols traces, in carols, congregational hymns and Scripture readings, the arc of salvation history culminating in God's gift of Jesus the Christ.
Featuring the Grace Church choir under the directions of organist and choirmaster Robert Gangewere, with the Rev. Carolyn Eklund, Grace's Rector, leading the service.
This is the perfect way to end a day on the House Tour, with a reflective service by candlelight in historic Grace Church.
The service is free and open to all. Parking is available in the public parking lot across 7th Street from the church. There will be a light reception following the service in the Parish Hall. More information at the parish website here.

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-- Dan Damon [follow]

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