Tree-lighting ceremony at county park

Montgomery — The annual Orange County tree Lighting Ceremony, free and open to the public, will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Orange County Arboretum in Thomas Bull Memorial Park on Route 416, in Montgomery. Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with a few of their elves, will light the large Christmas tree and “Holiday Lights in Bloom” display in the arboretum gardens. Musical entertainment will be provided by a local school chorus, Santa will take time to hear children’s wishes and pose for photos, and holiday refreshments will be available. “Holiday Lights in Bloom” will be open to the public from 5 to 8 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Dec. 10 through Jan. 2. It features hundreds of lights and festive displays creating a fantasy land throughout the arboretum’s visitor’s center and gardens, according to officials. During school recess, Dec. 26 through Jan. 2, the display will be illuminated on weeknights too, except for Christmas Day. The visitors center will be open during program hours with hot chocolate served. For further information, visit www.orangecountynyparks.com.