By Times Staff
The Essex Holiday Festival kicked off last night with the lighting of the Memory Tree at Town Hall.
The tree lighting program included a prayer led by the Rev. Tim Ziegenhals of First Congregational Church of Essex, and families were be able to light candles and place ornaments on the tree in honor of loved ones who have passed away while the church's choir and bell choir — known as the North Shore Bell Choir — performed in the background.
The festival continues today with Santa's arrival at 6 tonight at the town landing, followed by the Toy Parade up Martin Street to Town Hall.
Tomorrow, about 26 businesses will host the first-ever holiday shopping day tomorrow, featuring wine tastings, holiday music and extended hours — some shops will be open to 9 p.m.
In Manchester, Christmas By the Sea has already begun; there are several events tonight and tomorrow.
Santa will arrive in Manchester by fire truck on Sunday at Masconomo Park at 1 p.m.
For more about the holiday events in Essex and Manchester, please see Page 4.
