SPRINGFIELD– Many aspects of the holidays will be different this year due to COVID-19. Local tree and menorah lighting ceremonies are one tradition that has been affected by the virus.

MGM Springfield hosts a yearly Christmas tree lighting that draws a crowd with music, snacks and guests of importance. This year, the tree was lit informally due to COVID-19. A representative of MGM Springfield told Reminder Publishing that there are currently no plans to do another formal lighting with Mayor Domenic Sarno or others. The tree is also in a different location this year, located instead at the MGM bus stop.

The City of Springfield itself is keeping Christmas tree lightings small and low-key, according to Communications Director for Mayor Sarno, Bill Baker. City Hall usually has a yearly tree lighting to kick off the holiday season.

“Unfortunately we’re not doing our annual city hall tree lighting just because of COVID restrictions,” said Baker.

A gathered crowd for the tree lighting would be too risky with COVID-19 numbers spiking at a high rate.

Mayor Sarno attended the kick-off of Bright Nights on Nov. 25, where the lights were plugged in to signify the beginning of the annual festivities.

“Everything was pretty much low key and not really open to the public at all,” said Baker about the event.

Bright Nights also has many restrictions in place this year. Santa’s Village is closed due to COVID-19 and Bright Nights is now a strictly drive-through event only. The beginning of Bright Nights usually involves guests, Santa handing out candy canes to children and hot cocoa.

“Unfortunately with COVID none of that is possible right now,” said Baker.

To keep with Governor Charlie Baker’s ordinances, gates to Bright Nights close nightly at 8:45 p.m.

The Springfield Jewish Community Center (JCC) is also changing their yearly tradition of menorah lightings. The JCC is inviting people to celebrate Hanukkah through a virtual celebration from Dec. 10 to Dec. 18. The virtual celebration will commence with First Light on Dec. 10 and a virtual concert of celebration on Dec. 12.

“Hanukkah is a holiday that celebrates religious tolerance and resilience,” said Chief Operating Officer of the JCC, Deb Krivoy in a press release. “Now more than ever, we look forward to ‘bringing light’ to the whole community.”

Those interested in learning more or signing up for the events are encouraged to visit https://www.springfieldjcc.org/hanukkah/.