Every year on the Sunday after Thanksgiving the town of Essex, Connecticut kicks off the holiday season in style with its annual Trees in the Rigging celebration. The evening includes a parade that begins at 4:30 p.m., a carol sing along and a parade of vessels on the Connecticut River decorated in holiday lights.
As darkness approaches Main Street begins to fill with families and friends in anticipation of the parade that includes the Sailing Masters of 1812 Fife and Drum Corps, a line of antique cars and the signing of Christmas carols.
The best place to stand for the parade is in front of The Griswold Inn, as this is where the parade often pauses, much to the delight of the crowd for an extra moment.
While you are waiting for the parade to start standing in front of The Griswold Inn has its advantages as you can pop into the restaurants classic bar for a beverage or stroll across the street for a hot drink from the Essex Coffee and Tea Company.
After the crowd spends a few minutes caroling the parade continues down the street to the dock in front of the Connecticut River Museum for the grand finale, the Trees in the Rigging parade of boats. Once arriving at the dock you can see the lights of the decorated boats glistening in the distance and following a few moments of waiting they begin their approach.
Boats of all makes and styles from sail boats to luxury boats to canoes cruise by the dock to show off their decorations. Some just float by silently with their lights glistening while others perform a skit that is rewarded with cheers from the crowd. The boats make two passes with the highlight coming as the final boat passes by with Santa Claus on board and ready to make his annual visit to Essex.
Note: If you have time the Connecticut River Museum will be open for a discounted rate of $6 so visitors can enjoy the Annual Holiday Train Show.
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