Holiday Stroll 2015Thursday’s annual Lower Mills Holiday Stroll is intended to bring together the community and promote local businesses. The Nov. 19 event starts with a tree lighting ceremony commence at 5:30 p.m. in front of Meetinghouse Bank along with a Santa Claus and the choral group from Elizabeth Seton Academy to serenade the crowd with Christmas carols.

“Every year it gets a little bigger and we always hope the weather cooperates with us,” said Anthony Paciulli, the President and CEO of Meetinghouse Bank. “Participation from local businesses and volunteers is never difficult to get because it’s a fun night. Many families from the neighborhood that haven’t met before get to introduce themselves to one another and it’s a great event for the community.”

This year, the stroll will feature various live entertainment in different parts of the village, including a jazz ensemble that will perform in front of Pat’s Pizza. There’s no start or end point, but it stretches from the corner of Richmond St. and Dorchester Ave. to Milton on Central Ave.

Free rides on a trolley will be available that night so guests are able to fully experience the stroll and stay warm. There will be many other Christmas displays throughout the area along with free food, hot chocolate, baked goods, and fun games.

Businesses will be staying open late to offer special discounts, coupons and samplings. Enjoy free photos with Santa at RTN Credit Union at 1205 Adams Street, and hot chocolate stops on the route. Visit the beautiful Baker Chocolate Artists Lofts to see original art by resident artists, listen to live music, and meet historian Anthony Sammarco, who will be signing his books on Baker Chocolate, Howard Johnson and Lost Boston; ride the free trolley from Lower Mills into Milton Village, then to the Forbes House Museum, with several stops along the way.

Pick up maps at participating sites or on the trolley.