KENT, Conn.—No sooner has Kent drawn a deep breath after its highly successful Halloween bash, than it is ready to embrace the holiday season.
“Kent will be bursting at the seams for the holidays there is so much happening,” said Chamber of Commerce Vice President Ellen Corsell.
The season of lights kicks off Friday, Nov. 28, at 4 p.m. with the annual town tree lighting at town hall. The event coincides with the Kent Chamber of Commerce revealing its new array of festive stars in the village center.
The following day, Saturday, Nov. 29, Sip, Sparkle & Stroll, the renamed and reinvigorated Champagne Stroll of yore, returns from 4 to 8 p.m. This popular holiday tradition, which has been in abeyance for several years following Covid, has been revitalized under the leadership of Chamber spark plug Gary Kidd, who has been behind some of the Chamber’s most festive and successful events in recent years.
“If Gary Kidd is involved, you know it will be fun,” said Corsell.
Sip, Sparkle & Stroll invites guests to sip festive beverages, explore Kent’s unique shops and galleries, and soak in the glittering lights and small-town magic that make Kent a destination town. The change of name offers merchants the opportunity to offer a wider variety of libations, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
As part of Small Business Saturday, Sip, Sparkle & Stroll celebrates and supports Kent’s local business community. Participants will stroll along the town’s picturesque Main Street, enjoying sparkling beverages, sparkling lights, and special in-store experiences at participating stops , as well as live music, late-night shopping and unique gifts.
The streets will glow this year as the Chamber again installs its new stars along Main Street, South Main and Route 341. The stars made their first appearance last year and even more have been created for 2025, thanks to the generosity of High Watch Rehabilitation Center.
“We had 50 stars last year and this year there will be more than 100,” said Corsell. “It’s an amazing community effort. The Boys Scouts and the Kent Community Committee, which is part of the Chamber, have strung and straightened the old ones. And a huge shout-out to Hank Barton and Christopher Lawrence at High Watch, who have created another 50.”
“High Watch has generously donated the wood and labor,” reported Lyn Stirnweiss, the chamber’s administrative director. “We hope they will be up next week. We have the manpower, but we are asking the merchants and the public to donate to help with the cost of the lights with a ‘Let’s Light Up Kent for the Holidays’ fundraiser.”
To make a donation, click here.
Tickets are now on sale and are limited: A entry ticket for one is $43.40 (includes $3.40 fee) while groups of four entry tickets are $36.51 per person (includes $3.01 fee)—and must be purchased in groups of four. Tickets can be purchased online at the “Sip, Sparkle & Stroll” ticket page.
Sip, Sparkle & Stroll is not only a celebration of Kent’s holiday spirit, but also an opportunity to give back. Fifteen percent of all ticket sales will benefit the Kent Lions Club, supporting its important community work. In addition, guests are encouraged to make a donation to the Kent Food Bank this holiday season.
Sip, Sparkle & Stroll brings together locals and visitors for an evening of community, connection, and celebration in the heart of Kent. With twinkling lights, holiday cheer, and a welcoming Main Street lined with independent businesses, the event offers a unique way to experience the magic of the season in one of Connecticut’s most picturesque small towns.
For general questions about the event, use the contact form on the ticket page: “Contact Us” – Kent’s Sip, Sparkle & Stroll.
