Lighted Truck Parade

On Friday, December 5, 2026, East Longmeadow will kick off the holiday season with the annual Tree Lighting sponsored by the EL Lions Club. The Lions have been sponsoring the tree lighting since 1953. People will gather on the front lawn of the Congregational Church beginning at 5:30, where children can take part in Reindeer Games sponsored by the EL Recreation Department. Prior to the tree lighting, there will be a lighted truck parade. Anyone wishing to participate in the parade can register by contacting Roland Bolduc at roadeo@charter.net. Staging for the parade will take place at 200 North Main Street beginning at 5:30. At 6:00 the parade will leave the staging area, proceed down North Main Street, around the rotary, and up Somers Road. At the end of the parade will be an ELFD truck escorting the guest of honor, Santa Claus, who will depart the truck at the rotary to light the tree. After the lighting, children are invited to visit Santa in the hall of the church, where hot chocolate and cookies will be served.