As the holiday season approaches, excitement is building in Milford for the annual tree lighting. Friends and families are planning their trip to the Milford Green, where music, warm lights, and the smell of seasonal treats will welcome visitors. When the ginormous tree finally glows to life, it will mark the start of a month filled with community gatherings, festive events, and holiday spirit that brings the city together.

This year’s celebration is set for Friday, November 28, 2025, with the festivities officially kicking off at 5 p.m. on the Milford Green. Visitors will be welcomed by live holiday music performed by the Milford Concert Band as the excitement begins to build. Around 6:15 p.m., Santa Claus will make his well-awaited entrance with the Milford Fire Department, delighting children and families gathered along the Milford Green.

The moment everyone awaits: the lighting of the tree. The lighting of the tree will likely take place around 6:30 p.m., when the towering evergreen lights into a brilliant glow. Afterwards, families are invited to visit the gazebo for photos with Santa, continuing a tradition that brings joy and happiness to the Milford community year after year.

In preparation for the tree lighting, the Milford Public Works team starts hanging lights weeks before the event, ensuring they are well prepared in time. According to Public Works, it takes about 100,000 individual lights that come in 100-foot strands to cover the three large trees and about 80 small trees.

A major part of the excitement each year is the Christmas Market, a tradition that began in 2019 when two friends decided the Tree Lighting needed something more festive. What started with just 20 vendors has now grown to nearly 70, turning the Milford Green into a festive holiday marketplace.

Visitors can browse food stands, local shops, and booths offering a wide variety of seasonal gifts. Vendors prepare well in advance, securing permits and setting up their displays on the day of the event. Over time, the market has developed into what organizers describe as a cheerful “village atmosphere,” adding charm, warmth, and plenty of holiday cheer to the night.

Sophomore Skyelar Gonzalez states, “I love the large trees from the tree lighting and especially how it brings so much of the city together. I definitely think it’s a huge contributor to holiday spirit. The tree lighting brings out the best in our city for sure.”

Sophomore Ryan Schmitt explains, “I love how the tree lighting is a fun time to get to hang out with friends and show holiday spirit. The tree lighting definitely affects my holiday spirit by bringing fun memories that will last a lifetime.”

As this year’s holiday season unfolds, Milford residents are already looking ahead with excitement. With a new year coming soon, the community is eager to see how next year’s Tree Lighting will continue to grow, bringing new surprises while carrying on the traditions that make the event so special.