2,500 New Lights Will Illuminate Tree After Madison Parade

The Christmas tree at Main Street and Waverly Place in Madison will light up with the glow of 2,500 new, multi-color LED bulbs Friday evening when Santa flips the switch at the end of the 35th annual Christmas parade.

Santa is expected get an assist from the Petersons, the Madison family that donated this year's tree from their Grove Street yard.

The lights were purchased by the Madison Christmas Committee, a private organization that organizes and funds decorations and festivities in the borough.

Carmen Toto Jr., the committee president, said in addition to the new lights on the tree, new lights were strung around the wreaths in the borough, and Boy Scouts plan to attach red ribbons to the 206 wreaths Thanksgiving morning.

This year's parade doesn't have a particular theme, other than an "old-fashioned Christmas in Madison," he said.

The parade has grown over the years and draws thousands of spectators.

There are approximately 40 different groups marching in the parade, including four bands and dozens of trucks and characters.

Toto's wife, Marie, is the parade MC, and announces from Main Street and Waverly Place.

The parade starts promptly 5:30 p.m. Friday, and Toto said they hope to light tree by about 6:15 p.m.

The parade route begins at the Madison Volunteer Ambulance Corps parking lot on Prospect Street, takes Kings Road under the Madison Avenue bridge, Main Street up to Whole Foods, and then takes Kings Road back to Waverly Place.

Musicians, artists and businesses also take part in the festivities in downtown Madison the Friday after Thanksgiving each year.

The Madison Arts & Culture Alliance's Eighth Holiday Arts Festival will feature performances at businesses and other locations in the borough throughout the day.

Downtown merchants also will participate in a Christmas Walk, offering specials and refreshments to shoppers leading up to the parade.

Starting Saturday, Santa will be in Madison for photo ops in his house at the Madison Train Station on Kings Road. Santa's hours are 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Those who visit Santa can make a donation to the Madison Christmas Committee.