2nd Annual Holiday Enchantment and Tree Lighting at Lyme Academy of Fine Arts

Lyme Academy of Fine Arts welcomes members of the community, young and old, to gather on its campus in Old Lyme for the 2nd Annual Holiday Enchantment and Tree Lighting, Saturday, December 10, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The Academy looks forward to an “old fashioned” holiday celebration, bringing to life magical memories with festive activities including horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, caroling, seasonal musical performances, food and drinks by the fire, guided art activities, a tree lighting ceremony, and more.

New this year, Allegra Farms will offer horse-drawn carriage rides throughout the event, with their authentic 19th century coaches and wagonettes, drawn by majestic Clydesdale horses. Their picturesque carriages have been featured in major motion picture and television productions, including The Greatest Showman, starring Hugh Jackman. Santa Claus will be on campus for the evening and children are invited to bring along their wish lists and take a family photo with Jolly Old Saint Nick. Hands-on art activities and demonstrations will take place indoors in the Dumond and Cole art studios, guided by Lyme Academy of Fine Arts artists and instructors.

Coffee, hot cocoa, apple cider and holiday cookies will be available for all to enjoy and warm their bodies and spirits as they gather around one of the many softly glowing fire pits. Adult beverages, including beer, Bailey’s and bourbon will be available for purchase.

The crowd will be invited to gather around the artistically-adorned holiday tree for a musical performance by the Old Lyme Band and caroling starting at 4:00 p.m., followed by a tree lighting ceremony led by Town Selectman, Tim Griswold.

Lyme Academy’s new shop, de Gerenday’s Fine Art Materials and Curiosities is decked for the holidays and will be open throughout the event inviting attendees to shop for unique and unexpected gifts. The newly published book, “Essex Ed’s Groundhog Day Parade” written by Sue Cornell and illustrated by artist Mina Hamamoto Mohtasham, an instructor at the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts, will be available for purchase with a book signing from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Artist Caroline Joy Adams will be holding a calligraphy demonstration from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for attendees to enjoy. de Gerenday’s will also offer a 20% discount on the purchase of all holiday ornaments on the day of the event. Discover de Gerenday’s through the South Entrance to the Academy; store hours the day of the event are 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

“We invite the community to come celebrate the kick-off to the holiday season with all the warm and enchanting feelings the season brings”, says Joshua Janson, Event Committee Chair and Board Member at Lyme Academy. “We look forward to making special holiday memories for our local friends and families.”

The Chauncey Stillman Gallery located on the Academy’s campus will be open for attendees to view the latest exhibition, MONOCHROME. Gallery hours are 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Admission is free; donations are welcome.

Visit lymeacademy.edu for more information.