NORWICH – As the Christmas holiday draws near, local volunteers are decorating East and West Parks for the holidays and making the final preparations for the annual tree lighting ceremony.

The festivity will be held Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Volunteers are ready to welcome children and adults with the growing excitement of the holiday season. Lights will illuminate the front steps of the courthouse, spotlighting performances from the Perry Browne Elementary School Chorus who, under the direction of Michelle Pomares, will be singing select carols including “Up on a Housetop” and “Frosty the Snowman.” Appearances from the Norwich Police Department, Fire Department, City Mayor Joseph Maiurano and, of course, Santa Claus, will ensure that a wonderful time is had by all.

“We’re all preparing for the occasion and another one of Santa’s arrivals,” said BID Executive Director Roz DeRensis.

This year, four lucky children will be chosen to assist Santa Claus in flipping the switch that lights up the newly renovated parks. Last year’s grant from the Greater Norwich Foundation furnished the parks with new LED lights and new wreaths for street lamp posts, giving the city a traditionally festive look for the season.