Experience the holiday spirit at upcoming Tri-Town events

This time of year, the Tri-Town is almost as busy as the North Pole. There will be numerous holiday-themed events for all ages in Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester in the coming weeks.

The festivities begin Friday, December 6, with the first performance of a new Rochester Police Department event, a “Christmas Cruiser Illumination Celebration,” at 5 p.m. at the Rochester Police Station, 29 Dexter Ln.

The celebration will include the lighting of a police cruiser, holiday music, holiday refreshments and “opportunities to connect with your local heroes and other community members,” according to an announcement.

Rochester residents can wake up the next morning and do some holiday shopping at the Rochester Women’s Club’s annual Christmas wreath sale on Saturday, December 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 37 Marion Rd.

Last year the club sold out in two hours, so visitors are urged to arrive early. Proceeds will fund club scholarships that go to Rochester students.

Also on Saturday, the First Congregational Church of Rochester will host women for a Christmas tea from 1 to 4 p.m

Rochester’s annual tree lighting will take place on Monday, December 9th at 5:00 p.m. in front of City Hall.

Over in Marion, two city staples cap off the weekend. On Saturday, December 7, the Sippican Women’s Club will open the doors of several homes in Marion Village for its annual Holiday House Tour, which has been held for over 30 years.

The tour is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Check in at Handy’s Tavern at 152 Front St.

A possible stop on the tour is the First Congregational Church of Marion, where a holiday lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m

On Sunday, December 8th, Santa Claus is coming to town. St. Nick has put Marion’s 30th annual village walk on his calendar.

The party doesn’t start until Santa shows up by boat at 3 p.m

The walk is an opportunity to take a ride through the village in Claus’ legendary sleigh. Whet your appetite with the wide selection of treats and snacks that local shops serve.

Prior to the walk, the Marion Police Brotherhood hosts a “Pizza with Santa” event each year at the Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m

In Mattapoisett, St. Anthony and St. Rita Parish will host its annual Sea Bazaar Christmas Festival on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 26 Hammond St.

Seasonal handmade gifts, decorations and holiday gifts are offered by local vendors, including wood and leather goods, honey, ornaments and shell art.

All proceeds benefit St. Anthony-St. benefit. Rita community initiatives, including providing college book scholarships to local high school students.

Mattapoisett Congregational Church’s Christmas Mass will be held on Saturday, December 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Reynard Hall with baked goods, handmade craft items, handmade jewelry and other holiday decorations.

A Christmas tree draped with colorful buoys will be illuminated at the Mattapoisett YMCA’s third annual tree lighting on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 5 p.m

The evening will include food trucks, family-friendly crafts, beer and wine, and desserts. Entry is free.