This weekend, the Peterborough Community Center at 25 Elm St. is hosting the ninth annual Holiday Trees, a three-day event meant to showcase uniquely decorated trees hand-crafted by community members.
From Friday, Dec. 2, to Sunday, Dec. 4, spectators and participants can admire the assortment of trees up close while spending time around the fire sipping hot cocoa. Community members can also vote on the best adult tree and best youth tree, and the winners of both categories will receive a ribbon for their creations. Participants must provide their own trees.
New to this year, a massive paper chain with the names of everyone involved will be wrapped around the trees to celebrate the community-wide event.
The holiday spectacle can be viewed from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Santa Claus will also be making an appearance on Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m.
After hosting the event for eight consecutive years, Holiday Trees organizer Lauren Martin said it’s important to celebrate creativity and unity around the holiday season.
“It’s important to us that its a free event where everyone can enjoy it, no matter their circumstances,” said Martin. “It’s a terrific thing to be part of the holiday spirit.”
Admission is free to the public, and donations to the Peterborough Food Pantry and Hundred Nights in Keene are accepted.