The rain kept crowds away from the annual lighting of the holiday tree Tuesday night on the New Haven Green. But for the not-so-few who came out, the lights still came on. The food came out. There was hot chocolate to be had. And voices to be heard, dreaming of a white Christmas.
For anyone approaching the Green, the first indication that the city’s annual tree lighting was happening as scheduled — despite the weather, and despite the posted rain date — was the Ferris wheel set up at the north end …
… which offered nice views of New Haven’s downtown for those willing to get a little damp.
Caseus’s grilled cheese truck came out to feed those looking for something warm to eat.
A few fairytale characters showed up to mingle with the crowd and give a performance.
A stoic-looking camel received a steady trickle of visitors …
… as did the carousel.
The lack of crowds meant longer rides on the carriages that traveled the Green’s perimeter, letting us soak in downtown’s rain-blurred colors.
Choirs emerged to take the stage for the TV broadcast …
… and the crowd got a little bigger — enough to be a good audience.
At last, it was time to light the tree …
… and to enjoy the results. It wasn’t a white Christmas, and the clouds weren’t letting it snow, as the choirs sang about. But it was still a little dreamy all the same.
I was seriously surprised/impressed how many people were riding the Ferris wheel in the rain. It did not at all feel like Christmas but the kids didn't seem to mind at all, running around and having a ball. Good for everybody who came out with their kids and made it happen anyway. Y'all are super parents.