City of Dover to hold 40th annual Christmas tree lighting Dec. 5

posted on 12/3/2025

Dover Recreation will present the City of Dover’s 40th annual Christmas tree lighting on Friday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. at Henry Law Park, continuing one of Dover’s longest-running holiday traditions.

This year’s program will begin with remarks from Recreation Director Kevin Hebert, followed by a welcome from Mayor Bob Carrier. The Dover Middle School Chorus will lead attendees in seasonal songs before former Mayor Andy Galt switches on the tree’s lights. Local vocalist Nancy Gurick will also lead the crowd in song, and the program will conclude with closing remarks from Hebert.

The city’s holiday tree, donated by Carol and Alan Brown of Rochester, was installed at Henry Law Park on Nov. 26 with assistance from crews with Dover Community Services and SavATree.

This year’s lighting also features the added support of Light Up Dover, a community effort led by the Dover City Lights Committee in partnership with the nonprofit Communitively. The group helped secure the holiday tree, raised funds for new lights and ornaments, and coordinated volunteers for decorating.

The event is free and open to the public.