AHS musicians at 1st Lights. /Steve Berczuk photoAHS musicians at First Lights in 2022. / Steve Berczuk photo

And, just like that, the holiday season is here! Residents may kick off this joyous time of year at Arlington’s annual First Lights celebration, set for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, in Arlington’s Center's Whittemore Park.

1st Lights logo

The recently renovated park is at 611 Mass. Ave. at Mystic Street.

Parking is available in the lot off Mystic behind the Jefferson Cutter House, which is in the park; the building is the home of the Cyrus Dallin Art Museum, the Cutter Gallery and the Arlington Chamber of Commerce.

Organizers encourage residents to bring the entire family to enjoy musical performances by the Arlington High School Madrigal Singers and Northeastern University’s award-winning a cappella group, Pitch, Please! A news release said that there will be cookie-decorating, hot chocolate, popcorn, candy canes and fun giveaways. The Cyrus Dallin Art Museum will be open for art hunts in the museum. More details about the evening are below.

First Lights in Whittemore Park is organized by the chamber and the museum and is free and open to the public.

“We are so grateful to the many generous sponsor businesses and organizations that provide funds and volunteer time to help make this such a special event,” said Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Beth Locke. 

“The Dallin Museum is thrilled to partner with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce to host this fun and festive holiday event that celebrates all that our wonderful community has to offer,” said Heather Leavell, museum curator/director. 

The schedule is as follows:

  • 6 p.m. ― Cyrus Dallin Art Museum open house, cookie-decorating, hot chocolate, candy canes, giveaways and strolling holiday-themed characters;
  • 6:15 p.m. ― Lighting of the park;
  • 6:30 p.m. ― Performances by the AHS Madrigal Singers and by Northeastern University’s Pitch, Please. 
Donations sought of new mittens, gloves, socks

The Chamber of Commerce is collecting brand-new mittens, gloves and socks for local adults and children in need. Collection boxes will be at the event site; donated items will be given to the Arlington Holiday Help Program. 

First Lights is sponsored by American Alarm, St. Agnes School/Arlington Catholic High School, Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture, Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty, Inspire Fitness, Inspired Gardens, Mike Pallotta of the Home Advantage Team, Montessori Children’s House of Arlington, Rotary Club of Arlington, Steve McKenna & The Home Advantage Team, TD Bank and Winchester Savings Bank.

To learn more, visit the chamber website.

Dec. 4, 2022: First Lights returned to Whittemore Park, with AHS Jazz Band, Madrigals 

 

This news announcement by YourArlington freelance writer Susan Gilbert was published Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, based on information from Beth Locke of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce.