Celebration of Lights Parade returns to Poughkeepsie

Friday November 30, 2012 12:34 PM By Janine Bowen

Photo credit: Courtesy of Bardavon | The Celebration of Lights Tree Lighting and Parade, an annual event, will take place Friday in Poughkeepsie. (Nov. 27, 2012)

Kick off the holiday season at the 19th annual Celebration of Lights Parade in Poughkeepsie on Friday.

The Nov. 30 event will feature three tree-lighting ceremonies as well as a parade and fireworks display. The parade, which begins at 6:30 p.m. at the intersection of Main and Garden streets, will feature dozens of bands, local groups and, of course, Santa Claus, who will travel in style on a City of Poughkeepsie fire engine.

The parade will travel to Market Street, where the first Christmas tree of the night will be lit. The procession will continue to Dongan Square Park for the lighting of a second tree, followed by a third tree on Walkway over the Hudson.

SHOPPING: Holiday gifts for kids from local shops | Holiday gifts made in the Hudson Valley | Holiday gifts for everyone on your list
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LOCAL ATTRACTIONS: Where to meet Santa in the Hudson Valley | Holiday house tours and events at historic venues | Christmas tree farms in the Hudson Valley

As the final tree is illuminated, the sky will light up with the area's only winter fireworks display. It's set to begin at 7:15 p.m. The fireworks will be presented over the Poughkeepsie waterfront, and those who want a unique view can pay a $5 donation to watch the fireworks from the Walkway.

When the event is over, take the family to Bardavon (35 Market St.; 845-473-2072; www.bardavon.org), a co-sponsor of the event, for a showing of "Pee-wee’s Big Adventure" at 8 p.m. Tickets for the movie are $6 per person.

The holiday fun continues the next day, with the second annual Holiday Scavenger Hunt on Saturday. Beginning at 1:30 p.m. at Caffe Aurora (145 Mill St.; 845-454-1900; www.caffeaurora.com), participants will pick up a map and item card and start their search for holiday-themed items.

Participants who find all of the items on their card will be awarded prizes, and drawings will take place at 4 p.m. at The Derby (96 Main St.; 845-452-3232; www.brownderbyny.com). Children’s station Radio Disney will also be at the event with games and prizes. The scavenger hunt is free for participants, and complimentary refreshments will be served.

Tags: Poughkeepsie , Hudson Valley , holidays , Christmas , events , fireworks