‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through Ridgefield’s streets,
Residents bundled up and prepared for a treat,
At Ballard Park, neighbors and friends gathered ‘round,
To celebrate the spirit of the season, community and our incredible town!
With lights twinkling and melodies carrying good cheer,
A new tradition began, to look forward to each year…
On December 24, the festive season in Ridgefield will reach its crescendo with the second annual Christmas Eve Caroling at the gazebo in Ballard Park. Held from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., this free community event is open to all residents.
Founded by Cynthia Long in 2024 with the mission of “building community and sharing the joys of the holiday season with friends and neighbors,” Christmas Eve Caroling promises to bring a little musical interlude—and a whole lot of festive fun—to Ridgefield this winter.
Cynthia and her husband, Michael Long, moved to Main Street from Manhattan in 2023 with their three children—Carrington (15), Addison (9), and Berkeley (7). During their first Christmas in Ridgefield, the family deeply missed their longtime tradition of joining hundreds of carolers in Washington Square Park, a beloved NYC event held every Christmas Eve since 1924.
Cynthia and Michael felt lucky to be living in such a beautiful, caring, and supportive community—but noticed that while Ridgefield had so much on the calendar during early December, once school break started, the town’s events tapered off.
“Ridgefield is magical during the holidays,” Michael says. “But with no family nearby, gathering in Washington Square Park had always made us feel connected to something bigger than ourselves.”
Instead of longing for what was missing, Cynthia decided to start something new. Inspired by her friend and fellow resident Corrin Arasa, who pioneered the Ridgefield Farmer’s Market, Cynthia decided to organize Ridgefield’s very own Christmas Eve Caroling.
The inaugural event was held last December at the gazebo in Ballard Park, drawing over 250 carolers of all ages and launching a brand-new holiday tradition for the community.
“We didn’t know what to expect,” Michael recalls, “but it felt like a Hallmark movie. I probably sang too loudly—and definitely off-key—but it was such a meaningful way to bring the community together on a special night.”
This Christmas Eve, attendees can look forward to singing a variety of holiday favorites, including secular classics, traditional hymns, and even a Hanukkah song or two. Complimentary songbooks will be distributed at the event and there will also be a digital version available for those who need to zoom in—plus a Spotify playlist will be available to practice with, although many will know these songs by heart.
This year’s carols will be led by Max Flath, an NYC high school history teacher, a cappella performer, and avid karaoke enthusiast whose parents, Colleen and Earl, also live on Main Street. Max volunteered to be this year’s song leader after attending the first-ever Christmas Eve Caroling event last year.
While the songs are led by a talented singer, Cynthia is quick to emphasize that this isn’t a performance. It’s simply a chance for the community to “bring our voices together”—no musical talent or experience required.
Cynthia’s desire to bring the community together for a joyful evening of caroling is also deeply rooted in her work as an oncology social worker and counselor at Ann's Place—a local nonprofit that supports people living with cancer and their loved ones. She knows the holidays can be a time of quiet struggle for many—a truth she carries not only as a professional, but as someone who has lived it herself.
In November 2011, Cynthia’s first husband, Fred, was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. He was 29, and their daughter Carrington was just 16 months old.
“His prognosis was poor,” Cynthia shares. “We entered that holiday season knowing it would likely be our last together.”
Fred passed away six months later.
That first Christmas without Fred, Cynthia says, was one of the hardest times in her life. A young mother and widow, she tried her best to make the holiday season joyful for Carrington.
The holiday season is often portrayed as the most wonderful time of year, but Cynthia learned through her own experience how it can be a particularly challenging time for those navigating illness, grief, loneliness, or other hardships.
“I felt alone and out of place,” she recalls. “My grief was overwhelming and isolating, especially during the holidays. It seemed like everyone else was so happy and carefree.”
Over time, she came to understand she wasn’t alone.
“The holidays are hard for many of us,” Cynthia reflects. “That’s why coming together as a community during this season is so important—it’s the time of year when many need it most.”
That spirit is at the heart of Christmas Eve Caroling in Ridgefield. It’s an opportunity that creates space for joy, music, and genuine human connection.
The Longs share how they met so many wonderful people last year and note how rewarding it's been to hear about plans to bring additional friends and neighbors to Ballard Park this Christmas Eve.
“We look forward to continuing this tradition,” Cynthia says. “We’re so happy to help bring one of our favorite holiday traditions to Ridgefield, and we hope it becomes part of other families’ traditions, too.”
As for whether Ridgefield's event might have the staying power of the century-old gathering in Washington Square Park?
Cynthia smiles. “I’m not sure about that… but I hope so! We’re immensely grateful for every year we get to be part of this amazing community—and we’ll do our best to set the groundwork.”
SIDEBAR:
Christmas Eve Caroling
December 24 from 5 to 6pm
The Gazebo at Ballard Park
485 Main St, Ridgefield, CT 06877
Questions? Email: ridgefield.caroling@gmail.com
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