By MATTHEW LINDSEY

CANTON -- The 32nd Holiday of Lights celebration will welcome in the holiday season Friday, Nov. 27, with sleigh rides, a tree lighting, caroling and a visit from Santa Claus.

Percheron horses, owned by Tim Hatch, will usher Santa to the village green around 6 p.m. to light the Robin Crowell Memorial Tree and blue veterans’ “thank you” tree. Santa will be escorted by firefighters with their torches for the tree lighting ceremony.

“Santa and the mayor will lead the countdown to the lighting of the tree,” said event organizer Carol Johnson

“We will have characters in the park…Rudolph, Frosty and Mr. and Mrs. Gingerbread along with the Dalmatian mascot from the fire department will be there,” Johnson said.

The characters will dance with the kids and pose for family photos.

Santa will gift each child with a book and candy cane following the tree lighting ceremony.

Diane Foote will lead caroling with music by Todd Truax.

The Presbyterian Church, Park Place, will serve hot chocolate and cookies and free sleigh ride around the village will be offered.

Hundreds of children and their families generally enjoy the sleigh rides.

There is also a memory tree and donations benefit the Holiday of Lights. The cost is $2 per name.

The event began in 1984 after a committee formed with the goal of decorating the village for the holiday. Lighted wreaths and Christmas lights will be stringed along Main Street.