HOOKSETT, NH — Every December, a dedicated group of volunteers put on the town’s largest holiday event called Light Up The Village. This is when the Historic Village located around Robie’s Country Store lights up! The heart of Hooksett glows a little brighter as neighbors, families, and friends gather for a celebration that blends tradition, community spirit, and the magic of the holidays. This year, Light Up The Village Weekend, running from Thursday, December 4 through Saturday, December 6, promises to be the most vibrant and meaningful celebration yet. We heard feedback from last year’s attendees that families wanted more activities and we have planned them! You won’t want to miss out on all the expanded activities and entertainment options this year.
Festival of Trees
The festivities begin Thursday evening with the opening of the Beloin Family Christmas Tree Farm Festival of Trees at the Hooksett Town Hall Gymnasium. From 4–8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, the gym transforms into a dazzling forest of nearly fifty uniquely decorated trees. Community members can wander amid glittering branches, vote for their favorites, or even join in the fun—tree sponsorships are still available through organizer Mary Darby. You can reach out to her at Mary_darby@comcast.net. All sponsorships must be submitted no later than November 30th. This event is FREE to attend.
Saturday, December 6, brings a flurry of activity throughout the Village. The morning begins with the Hooksett Public Library’s cherished Photos With Santa from 10 a.m.–1 p.m put on by the library. This well loved event will be followed by the annual Holiday Craft Fair at Hooksett Congregational Church from 12–6 p.m where you will be able to shop makers, artisans, crafters etc across two floors of space inside the church. The Festival of Trees reopens from 1–8 p.m., offering one last chance to enjoy the winter wonderland of creativity. Use this opportunity to buy some raffle tickets to win a tree, and see all the organizations and businesses who choose to participate this year. This event is one of the committee’s largest fundraisers annually to keep the Light Up The Village event going, so your support and sponsorship are important.
Opening Ceremony Kick’s Off Light Up The Village at Church
At 3:45 p.m., guests gather inside the sanctuary of the Hooksett Congregational Church for the Opening Ceremony, the emotional and historic centerpiece of Light Up The Village this year. With music from accomplished musician and music director Adam Boraskas and the Congregational Church Choir, and a heartfelt message from Pastor Gina Colorio (“Pastor T”), the ceremony reflects on Hooksett’s original town tree lighting, how the tradition has grown since the 1970’s, and what it means to “be the light” in a season meant for kindness and connection. The ceremony culminates in a moving candle-lighting ceremony led by Hooksett’s Citizen of the Year, John Danforth, where all attendees share their light with one another in the darkness of the sanctuary. Everyone will be singing Silent Night as they share the glow from hand to hand. This will be a special contemplative and non denominational experience. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Plan to arrive before the ceremony starts at 4pm. Buses will be available starting at 3:30 PM picking people up from Donati and Town Hall dropping guests off directly to the church for the opening ceremony. The church bell will be rung ten times at the top of the hour to signify the start of the opening ceremony. Be sure to listen for the bell. At the end of the ceremony the church bell will ring to let everyone know it has ended and that the community candle walk at Veterans Park has now begun.
From the outside of the church at this time, the gathered candle-bearing community quietly processes to Veterans Park at Jacob Square to join those waiting for them to share their light with one another. At approximately 4:45 p.m., the candles should all be lit, a clarinet solo will set the mood for the walk and the town embarks on the Community Candle Walk across the Lilac Bridge. As the group reaches the bridge, its lights begin to shine, guiding the way toward Robie’s Country Store and Riverside Street, where the community gathers for the 5 p.m. lighting of the Town Tree and the Village setting the tone for the anticipatory Tree and Village Lighting everyone has been waiting for.
The lighting is followed by joyful carols and a performance from Unbound Dance Academy on the Town Tree Stage.
Families can continue the evening with Children’s Story Time at the historic Arah W. Prescott Library located at 16 Main St. at 5:30 p.m., preceded by a delightful 5:15 p.m. walk led by “Bear,” the Holiday Horse, departing from Robie’s Country Store. Space is limited in the library so please arrive early. Local Author Karen Busch Holman will read Bear’s Bell, a holiday story based on her real life mini horse “Bear” who is grieving the loss of her sibling “Little Bear” during the holiday season and steps up to lead the sleigh for Rudolph! Karen will read her story to the intimate audience inside the historical library with the mini horse! Copies of her book will be made available for purchase inside the historical library. Our very own Marisa Delhay of Hooksett will also be reading a holiday story or two dressed up as a holly jolly elf. After story time, children can meet Bluey at the NH State Grange Hall from 6–8 p.m., and Santa makes an appearance at the Town Hall Gym during the same hours for exclusive photo opportunities to be taken with your own camera for ease.
The Hooksett American Legion will be a lively hub of activity and warmth. A “Fire Alley” of side-by-side fire pits will burn from 4:45–8 p.m., offering a cozy gathering place. Two additional fire pits will be available near Robie’s Store at the end of the bridge. Inside the Legion, children can enjoy crafts and cookie decorating from 5–8 p.m or until supplies last. Cookie decorating is thanks to Hooksett Kiwanis. Entertainment begins at 5:15 p.m. with local country artist Don Smith, followed by Pembroke country singer-songwriter Olivia Conway, performing from 6:15–7 p.m.
At 7 p.m., the Hooksett Twirlers will take the stage across from Robie’s Store for a spirited performance.
Food will be available for purchase this year at both Robie’s Country Store and the American Legion, and visitors can also enjoy a Bake Sale and Cookie Room inside the Congregational Church during the afternoon. Special Holiday favorites will be made available. Support our local establishments.
To help accommodate the growing attendance, parking will be available at multiple locations: Donati Field, the Football Field, Hooksett Town Hall Gym, Hooksett Congregational Church, and Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Volunteers, staff, and performers will park at 16 Main Street (Old Town Hall Lot). Handicap parking will be available at Hooksett Town Hall, Hooksett Congregational Church, and at the Old Town Hall (two spaces specifically for those attending Story Time).
Light Up The Village has become far more than a holiday event—it is a shared experience, a moment in time where the community comes together not just to witness the lights, but to be the light for one another. With music, tradition, warmth, and connection woven through every detail, this year’s celebration promises to continue the legacy cherished by generations and leave behind core memories in our historic Hooksett Village! Please be sure to share with us here at The Hooksett bridge what you are looking forward to most by emailing us at publisher@thehooksettbridge.org we would love to hear what you are excited for this year!
