Charles River Regional Chamber invites local businesses and performers to help light up Brookline’s shopping districts

BROOKLINE, Mass. – First Light, Brookline’s annual kickoff to the holiday season, returns Thursday, Dec. 3 from 4 to 6 p.m. The free evening fills Coolidge Corner with live music, festive windows, family fun and seasonal treats while celebrating the small businesses at the heart of Brookline’s neighborhoods.

This year, the Charles River Regional Chamber and a committee of local business leaders are organizing the longstanding tradition, following the Brookline Chamber of Commerce’s transition in April.

“First Light is Brookline at its best,” said David Leschinsky, owner of Eureka Puzzles and Games and president of the Coolidge Corner Merchants Association. “Neighbors on the sidewalks, music in the shops and windows worth stopping for. It’s the perfect reminder that the best holiday gifts are found close to home.”

“So many people have poured their time and energy into making First Light a success over the years, and we’re grateful for all they built,” said Greg Reibman, president and CEO of the Charles River Regional Chamber. “We’re thrilled to now help carry on this uniquely Brookline tradition, and we invite every Brookline business and performer to be part of it.”

This year’s festivities are ramping up even before the big event on Dec. 3.  From Nov. 30 through Dec. 10, storefronts throughout town will compete in the First Light window decorating contest. A list of participating businesses will be posted at charlesriverchamber.com/first-light, and passersby can vote for their favorite window by scanning the QR code displayed in each one.

On Dec. 3, First Light Night will be centered in Coolidge Corner, including the Ridley School Green from 4 to 6 p.m.. Musicians, performers and local artists will fill the shops and sidewalks, turning the neighborhood into a holiday stroll for all ages. Participating businesses will welcome visitors with in-store activities, seasonal treats and special discounts.

First Light also opens a month of holiday shopping and community celebrations across Brookline. Throughout December, residents and visitors are encouraged to shop and dine in all of Brookline’s commercial districts, from Coolidge Corner and Brookline Village to Washington Square and JFK Crossing. ArtsBrookline’s Brookline Village Holiday Market opens Dec. 11 at Station Street Studios.

First Light is made possible with support from Beacon Bank, Eastern Bank and DreamSpa Medical.

Businesses can take part by decorating their windows for the window decorating contest, hosting a musician or activity, offering a special promotion, volunteering, joining the planning committee or sponsoring the event. Interested businesses, performers and volunteers can sign up at charlesriverchamber.com/first-light, which will also be the hub for participating businesses and event activities.

About the Charles River Regional Chamber
 The Charles River Regional Chamber is the leading voice for businesses in Boston’s inner western suburbs, representing more than 1,300 organizations across Newton, Needham, Watertown, Wellesley, Brookline and surrounding communities. Our mission is to champion our community’s economic and cultural vitality through education, advocacy and networking.

Media contact: Max Woolf, mwoolf@charlesriverchamber.com, (617) 431-6101
Questions about participating: firstlight@charlesriverchamber.com, 617-244-5300