NEW HAVEN - The lighting of a 65-foot-tall Norway spruce tree given to the city of New Haven for the holidays will begin at 4 p.m. Thursday Dec. 6 on the city Green

The event is presented by the city Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Trees.
From 4 to 8 p.m, there will be a number of free activities, including carousels and mini-car rides for children and holiday crafting. The lighting is expected at about 5:30 p.m.

“This is a festive annual tradition for families to enjoy in New Haven,” Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. said in a release “This is a great opportunity for both visitors and residents to enjoy the food, family fun, nightlife and the arts in New Haven. I invite everyone to come down and join-in on free, family time entertainment this week.”

Last year attendance estimates were around 5,000 for the annual event, according to the release.
In the case of extreme inclement weather, the tree lighting will be held Friday, December 7..

 For more information, visit www.infonewhaven.com or call (203) 946-7172.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. The photo is from 2008.