Former Concordian Kelly Emerson, 2, now of Acton, meets holiday-attired Disney princess Anna from “Frozen” during the tree-lighting festivities. Photo: Ken McGagh/The Concord Bridge
Concord Center tree lighting and parade in pictures
December 4, 2024
Concord Center’s annual tree lighting and parade drew thousands of visitors ready to kick off the winter holiday season Sunday with special appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, music from local groups, and a bevy of Disney princesses in finery provided by the Concord Recreation Department.Bridge photographer Ken McGagh was there to capture the excitement.
Town Manager Kerry Lafleur told the Select Board on Monday that staff estimated between 6,000 and 7,000 people attended, smashing past pre-pandemic averages of fewer than 2,000 guests. Many in the crowd were from out of town. “It’s nice that people chose to come to Concord,” she said.
Asked to explain the regional interest, Lafleur offered one guess.
“Maybe we have the best Santa,” she said. — Dakota Antelman
Photos: Ken McGagh/The Concord Bridge
Concord Women’s Chorus members raised their voices at the dazzling kickoff to the season.Bob and Melissa Krygowski of Westford and their children Jonathan, 11, and Colin, 7, wear festive Christmas tree hats as they walk down Main Street. The family has been coming to Concord’s tree lighting for 11 years. “It has the most New England feel,” Melissa Krygowski said. “No one does it as well as Concord.”Quinn Kosiba, 13, of the Concord Middle School Symphonic Band, plays the flute in the band’s first performance at a tree lighting. Fiona Fonte, 13, right, plays the trumpet for the Concord Middle School Symphonic Band.Concord Police escort Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus after their arrival by fire truck.The crowd waves as the tree lighting parade makes its way down Main Street. The Concord Players marched in traditional dress.Disney princesses Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Elsa wave to children at the Concord Center gathering.Santa Claus waves from atop a Concord Fire Department ladder truck. Santa and Mrs. Claus salute the crowd after illuminating the town tree to conclude the well-attended festivities. Daniel Karpachev, 4, gets a great view of the excitement thanks to a boost from his father, Roman.
