MILLERTON — In Millerton, the lights are strung, the decorations are hung, and the beloved Festival of Lights is just around the corner. This year, Main Street will glow even brighter as volunteers hand out candles and carol sheets before the annual parade, creating a wave of neighborly cheer that feels straight out of a Hallmark movie.
The celebration takes place Friday, Nov. 28, with longtime organizers emphasizing an even stronger hometown feel as Millerton heads into its 175th anniversary year in 2026.
“We really put it on for the community, the locals,” said Dana Scarpa, owner of Designer Finds on Main Street and co-chair of the Millerton Business Alliance (MBA). “We just want to come together as a community for this special time of year. We all love doing it.”
The celebration will begin early in what Scarpa describes as an all-day affair. Families can begin with a cozy screening of Arthur Christmas at The Moviehouse at 10 a.m. Pro tip: Each child who attends the movie will receive a free raffle ticket for prizes from local businesses.
The excitement will continue with the annual community raffle featuring gift certificates and holiday treats in Veterans Park at 12:15 p.m.
Sweet treats and crafting opportunities will be held throughout the morning and early afternoon, with NBT Bank offering complimentary cookies and hot chocolate and the Bank of Millbrook hosting crafts, cookies and eggnog between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
The Northeast Community Center (NECC) will host cookie decorating from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., and the Irondale Schoolhouse will host a woodworking craft sale throughout the weekend.
As evening falls and the lights begin to glow, residents and visitors will receive candles and books of carols for a holiday sing-along on Main Street.
“To look up and down Main Street and see everyone holding candles and singing — it’s going to be beautiful,” said Scarpa.
And the Festival of Lights wouldn’t be complete without the annual parade, hosted by the Millerton Fire Company, which kicks off with the tree-lighting ceremony. The carols will begin at 4:45 p.m. and the tree lighting will take place at 5 p.m.
“It’s like the Whos in Whoville,” Scarpa said with a laugh. “Or a Hallmark movie. Really — it’s such a special time of year.”
