Downtown Biddeford will be even brighter this year, with the addition of a Hanukkah Menorah along with the arrival of Santa and lighting of the tree in City Square. The event begins in City Square at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. The schedule for the community’s holiday activities is as follows: 3-5 p.m. - Reilly's Bakery hosts free cookie decorating. Select students from the Biddeford Middle School 7th and 8th grade Chorus will sing carols. - McArthur Library will offer a special crafts and activities in the children’s room. 5:30 in City Square - Lighting the Hanukkah Menorah and music from Congregation Etz Chaim and the Salvation Army Brass Band. - Santa Arrives and lights the tree. Also in City Square, New Life Church has some special surprises in store, and Biddeford Recreation Department will provide make-your-own s'mores. After the events in City Square, kids are invited to get a free photo with Santa, courtesy of McKenney Photography. Photos with Santa take place from 6:15-8 p.m. at a location near City Square. Free sleigh rides also run through the downtown until 8 p.m. Several retail shops and ArtWalk venues will remain open until 7 p.m. Then, at 7:30 p.m. City Theater will present A Christmas Carol: The Musical. The show runs Friday and Saturday nights as well as Sunday matinees Nov. 30-Dec. 16, and tickets are available on the City Theater website and box office for $20. The Heart of Biddeford in partnership with the City of Biddeford, the business community, property owners, and residents, fosters economic development and improves the downtown and quality of life within its boundaries by supporting existing businesses, attracting new businesses, promoting the downtown through events and working to beautify the urban core. Information about the organization and the festival can be found at www.heartofbiddeford.org and on Heart of Biddeford’s Facebook page. To set up an interview, please contact Delilah Poupore, Heart of Biddeford, 207-284-8520 or email director@heartofbiddeford.org.