The Holiday Stroll, Woonsocket's annual Christmas festival, repleat with live acts, carriage rides, food and song, gets rolling Thursday, Dec. 6, 4:30 p.m. with a tree lighting next to City Hall.

Mayor Leo Fontaine will turn on the lights for the Christmas tree in the small park next to city hall. The Ocean State School of Performing Arts will entertain with music and dancers, then Santa Claus is scheduled to arrive via horse-drawn carriage.

After dropping off Santa, the carriage will offer rides from Market Square to Woonsocket Depot, where people can enjoy singing by the Homestead Group and shopping at Polar Express Gift Shop.

Performances will include Spogga The Firedancer, The Very Merry Dickens Carolers, local youth singining and theatre acts, and a play, "The Holidays at Finlay's Corner" at the Museum of Work and Culture at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.

A gingerbread house contest is being held at The Cakery again this year; entries can be dropped off on the day of the event at the restaurant.

Stops along the festival route (see attached map and legend) will offer discounts, and treats, including free popcorn and cookies at some locations. 

"Everyone is invited as we ring in the Christmas season to Woonsocket," Fontaine said in release announcing the Stroll.