Every year Boxford residents gather at the town’s Holiday Tree to commence
a procession called the “Grand Illumination” throughout the community’s historic
East Village where houses built in the 1700’s and after still stand. The long
lasting tradition, which was Sunday evening, featured a festive crowd of people
who carol from door to door asking residents of the community to “light up
their lights”.
The evening concluded at the Holyoke French House, which was originally
built in 1704 and then rebuilt in 1760, where people gathered for cookies and cider.
It was a beautiful night with great people, fantastic singing, and wonderful
conversations. The Christmas spirit was on full display, and I look forward to
joining again next year for the festivities.
Every year the Boxford Historic Society does a great job coordinating
this event. Earlier in the day the Council on Aging hosted a craft fair at the
Community Center, and then the bonfire tradition was brought back with the help
of the Boxford Fire Department and the Boxford Library.
The photo above is of some of the carolers singing on the stairs at the
Holyoke French House.