Essex hosts its annual "Trees in the Rigging" Community Carol Sing and Boat Parade today starting at 4:30 p.m. The Connecticut River Museum, the Essex Board of Trade, and the Essex Historical Society present this annual event that includes a lantern-lit carol stroll down Main Street with the Sailing Masters of 1812 Fife and Drum Corps and a parade of antique cars.

The stroll steps off from the Essex Town Hall and ends at the Connecticut River Museum with a parade of vessels decked in holiday lights and passing in review along the Connecticut River. Santa will arrive on one of the boats to visit with children.

The event rain date is Sunday, Dec. 2. For more information, call (860)767-8269 or visit www.ctrivermuseum.org.