Ellie Park, Multimedia Managing Editor

“Everything’s magical when it snows,” Lorelai Gilmore, Connecticut’s “Gilmore Girls” sweetheart, once said. 

Well, snow is falling and the holidays are calling. Businesses and communities in the Elm City are preparing to serve up the merry and bright.

This Thursday, New Haven will host its annual tree lighting on the Green from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with live music, children’s amusement rides and visits with Santa. 

The lighting coincides with the opening day of the Holiday Village on the Green, a winter market that plans to feature 23 local artisans and shopkeepers. The Village will run Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

Chrismukkah spirits will abound as New Haven holds its annual Menorah lighting on the Green on Dec. 25 — Christmas day — at 5:00 p.m. to celebrate the simultaneous beginning of Hanukkah.

The following day, New Haven will light its Kwanzaa Kinara at City Hall at 5:00 p.m. The celebration will be hosted by the New Haven Board of Alders Black and Hispanic Caucus.

This weekend, New Haven will also kick off its holiday movie nights at the inaugural Downtown Tree Farm. Elm City? More like Evergreen City.

On Fridays at 6:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m., New Haven will show an iconic lineup of holiday flicks, including Home Alone, The Grinch, Elf and Polar Express, with the last film playing Dec. 20. The tree farm will sell tabletop, four- to five-foot and six- to seven-foot trees. The Farm will also introduce The Bell — a 20-foot tent featuring free crafts like cookie decorating, sculpting clay charms, stamp carving and printing and candle-dipping.

Looking to light up your night? Drive over to Lighthouse Point Park for a Fantasy of Lights night-time drive-thru holiday light show happening every night through New Years Eve. 

For even more Christmas cheer, The Shops at Yale is hosting its annual Ice Carving Competition and A Capella Concert on Saturday from 12:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m. on Broadway Island, along with a festive lineup of other events that include storytelling and selfies with Santa & Mrs. Claus, Yuletide carolers, and various other holiday activities and promotions.

The East Rock Brewing Company will host its winter market — featuring Vittles Food Truck and tunes from The Hooch — on Dec. 21 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Right after, head to the Edgerton Park Conservancy’s seventh annual Winter Solstice Luminary Walk, celebrating the longest night of the year with artists, musicians and hot beverages from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Over in Westville, near Yale’s athletic facilities, the Anti-Mall Holiday Market featuring Westville Shop Small will take place Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by their annual Christmas tree lighting. Westville will light their Menorah on Dec. 29 at 4:15 p.m.

Tired of the urban landscape? The Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, a 30-minute drive from downtown New Haven, is offering a host of holiday cheer. 1741 Pub & Grill will host Santa Brunch this weekend on Saturday and Sunday, and on Dec.15 and Dec. 22, with a special appearance from Mrs. Claus herself. This Saturday, Santa will also pose for photos with pets at the Orchards from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., in exchange for donations to the Salvation Army.

The Orchards will also host its Winter Lantern Festival every Friday, Saturday and Sunday this month.