AMHERST — A traditional celebration that has been part of Amherst’s holiday season since the 1960s, the Merry Maple lighting is back at its usual location on the North Common on Friday, with a newly lit maple tree.

A year after continued construction on the greenspace in front of Town Hall forced the relocation of the event to the Town Common, and required a detour for the University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band’s escort of Santa Claus, the event co-sponsored by the Amherst Business Improvement District and Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce returns to its customary spot.

“During the holiday season, we transform downtown Amherst into a magical winter destination,” John Page, executive director of the Amherst BID, said in a statement. “From festive shopping opportunities to cherished community traditions, we’re proud to bring events that connect our community and support our local businesses.” 

“The lighting of the Merry Maple is a treasured annual tradition, and this year’s celebration is especially meaningful as we gather on the beautifully renovated North Common,” said Jacob Robinson, executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber. 

Activities kick off at 3 p.m., with an open house at the Central Fire Station and with Amherst Recreation, on the North Common, putting on a variety of glow in the dark games, including horseshoes, ring toss, hula hoops and lawn darts. Amherst Recreation will also have the KultureCity sensory friendly tent with headphones, fidget toys and sensory seating, and other stations with crafts, including a make-your-own Flakey the Snowfriend.

Starting at 4 p.m. will be horse-drawn carriage rides, and at 4:30 p.m. the Amherst Regional Middle School Chorus will perform on the steps of Town Hall.

Finally, the marching band, leading a firetruck with Santa Claus on top, should be to the site by 5:30 p.m. Santa will greet attendees in front of the Inn on Boltwood, where holiday carolers will sing after the marching band has finished.

Throughout the event, some refreshments will be available for free on a first-come, first-served basis, including warm cider and cider doughnuts from Atkins Farms Country Market and coffee from Amherst Coffee. The Inn on Boltwood will have hot chocolate for sale from its patio.

The Merry Maple celebration comes as local businesses hold a holiday shopping extravaganza on both Friday and Saturday. During the event, once known as Card Days, Merry Days and Pack-the-Sack, some stores will have 20% discounts on certain items.

The free Saturday parking in metered spaces and parking lots also continues through December.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.