Used Christmas trees to fuel annual bonfire Jan. 18 at Anderson Field

December 30, 2024  |  By Lisa Scagliotti 

Last year’s Christmas tree bonfire. File photo by Gordon Miller

The annual Christmas tree bonfire will take place at Anderson Field in downtown Waterbury on Saturday, Jan. 18, starting at 6 p.m. 

Waterbury Recreation will host the event and Waterbury Fire Department will oversee the bonfire. 

Local residents may drop off their used trees – free of all decorations – anytime beforehand. The pile will be located on the far side of the park near the baseball outfield. Anderson Field is the park near the Waterbury swimming pool at 27 Butler Street. 

Those who can’t easily drop off their tree can request a pickup from the Boy Scouts Troop #701. Scouts will go around this Saturday, Jan. 4, to collect trees for the bonfire. They suggest a $20 donation for the service and proceeds will support the troop’s new Cub Scout Pack 711. 

To request a pickup, fill out this online form by 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2. Direct any questions to scout Leader Albert Caron at troop701webmaster@gmail.com.

Ahead of the bonfire, Waterbury Recreation also has a family-friendly Canvas & Cocoa painting event scheduled on Jan. 18 starting at 4 p.m. inside the Recreation Building at Anderson Park. 

Artist and instructor Kellie DeCicco from Enchanted Paintbrush will lead the session as participants make their original creations. All abilities from beginner to advanced are invited. Paintings will be left at the class for pickup later. Fee: $35 per person, includes supplies and cocoa during the class. Register for the painting event online here.