New London's holiday festival, Celebration of Lights and Song around the World on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 3 to 5:30 p.m., will celebrate different cultures and traditions from around the world through music and dance as well as the grand opening of the skating rink - the Rink at Parade Plaza.

The festival kicks off with a Reindeer and Elf Procession from the New London Fire Department to the Parade Plaza at 3 p.m. Children are encouraged to dress as reindeer and elves and meet at the station at 2:45 p.m. to lead Santa's arrival by fire engine.

Festivities include a ribbon cutting for the new rink, a figure skating performance, multicultural music and dance, visits with Santa and Eastern Connecticut Ballet's Sugar Plum Fairy, Windows of the World Storefront Decorating Contest, tree lighting and community carol sing along. Ballerinas from Eastern Connecticut Ballet will preview their upcoming performance of the "Nutcracker" in storefront windows.

The rink will be open to the public at 3:30 p.m the day of the festival and attendees are welcome to bring skates or rent them. The Rink at Parade Plaza will be open from December through February and is a project of New London Main Street.

For more information, visit www.newlondonwaterfrontdistrict.org or call (860) 444-2489.