MELROSE — The Melrose Chamber of Commerce is preparing to usher in the holiday season by welcoming back their annual Home for the Holidays event on Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3.

This year, Home for the Holidays is made possible through the generous sponsorship of The Residence at Melrose Station and TuftsMedicine Melrose Wakefield Hospital, and the Chamber thanks them for their support of this iconic community event. A weekend long, community wide open house, Home for the Holidays offers something for everyone.  From cookie decorating and “reindeer rides” to tastings, specials, sales and fairs, and, of course, to Santa Claus arriving in our beautiful downtown; Home for the Holidays brings out the best in our community. You are invited to leisurely stroll through the city, stopping by stores, restaurants and other institutions where you will be warmly welcomed with holiday cheer. Or you can hop on one of the free trolleys that will carry residents and visitors to and from the various business districts in Melrose on Saturday.

The festivities start on Friday night, December 2, when Mayor Paul Brodeur lights the tree on City Hall lawn and the twinkling lights of Main Street in Downtown Melrose in preparation for the arrival of Santa Claus. Bring your singing voice and sing along with live local musicians who will lead the crowd in holiday songs. Following the tree and street lighting, join Santa at the Knights of Columbus for photos, hot cocoa, holiday music and more.  Please consider bringing an unwrapped toy for their Toys for Tots drive as well!

On Saturday, December 3, trolleys will carry shoppers prepared to start their holiday shopping and families looking for holiday cheer to various activities and shops in our business districts.  The trolley rides are free and are made possible through the generous sponsorship of many local businesses.

You are invited to join in celebrating the season and, at the same time, are encouraged to support the local businesses who so warmly greet you not only during Home for the Holidays, but throughout the year and at our other signature community events. By shopping, dining and doing business locally, you support your friends and neighbors – the business owners of Melrose who continually give back to our community throughout the year.

The Chamber looks forward to seeing you at Home for the Holidays! Please visit www.melrosechamber.org for details including a specific schedule of events, trolley maps and more. You may also call the Chamber office with any questions at 781-665-3033.