Westerly’s third annual tree lighting brought magic to the community as neighbors gathered together to celebrate this special tradition. As the community came together at The Waypoint amenity center, something beautiful happened. Families and friends showed up for each other like never before, proving that the best traditions are the ones that bring old and new friends together in celebration.
Families experienced an evening filled with warm spirits, laughter, and the kind of connection that turns a neighborhood into home. The glow of twinkling lights brightened the evening, children’s faces lit up as they crafted ornaments, and neighbors who might only wave in passing found themselves sharing stories over steaming cups of coffee. This year’s turnout was a testament to what Westerly is building, one gathering at a time.
The evening unfolded with hot chocolate and coffee from Selah Coffee Cart warming hands, seasonal treats disappearing from tables, and a photo booth capturing genuine smiles. Kids clustered around the ornament-making station, concentrating on their creations while parents reconnected with neighbors and made new connections. When the moment came to illuminate the tree, the crowd counted down together, creating a memory they’ll all treasure.
What stood out most was the beautifully decorated tree and the collective spirit of celebration. That’s the heart of events at Westerly: they create space for authentic connection and community.
When Community Shows Up: The Magic Behind Events at Westerly Shines
The third annual tree lighting ceremony proved something important about life at Westerly — when you build genuine community, people invest in it. Residents and members of the community arrive with their families, connect with neighbors, and share in this growing tradition.
Throughout the evening, The Waypoint amenity center buzzed with activity. The craft station became a hub where kids compared their ornament designs and adults discovered they lived just three doors down from each other. The photo booth captured moments of joy: Families capturing playful holiday moments, teens taking selfies with friends, couples stealing a quiet moment together.
Selah Coffee Cart stayed busy all evening, their baristas working steadily to keep cups filled and spirits high. The seasonal desserts, from cookies to festive treats, provided the perfect excuse to linger a little longer, to have one more conversation, to let children burn off energy while parents talked.
What makes events at Westerly so special is the intentional creation of spaces where neighbors become friends, where families make memories, and where a simple gathering becomes a cherished tradition. Our Lifestyle Manager understands this intuitively, curating experiences that feel effortless but are thoughtfully designed to bring people together in meaningful ways.
The Waypoint plays a crucial role in making these gatherings possible. More than just a venue, it serves as the community’s living room, a place designed for exactly these moments of connection.
Throughout the year, The Waypoint hosts everything from book clubs to fitness classes, coffee meetups and happy hours to seasonal celebrations. Each event adds another thread to the fabric of community life at Westerly.
This consistency matters. When residents know they can count on regular opportunities to connect, whether through monthly mixers, holiday celebrations, or spontaneous gatherings, they start to build their lives around these touchpoints. Friendships deepen. Kids find their crew. Adults discover their people. The neighborhood transforms from a collection of houses into an interconnected community.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Events at Westerly
As the evening wound down and the last families headed home, something became clear: this tradition is just getting started. The third annual tree lighting laid groundwork for many more years of holiday celebration, community connection, and shared memories.
We’re already thinking about next year. How can we build on this momentum? What worked well that we should keep? What new touches might make the experience even more memorable?
These questions drive our approach to events at Westerly; always evolving, always improving, always centered on what brings our community closer together.
The beauty of establishing traditions is watching them grow roots. Children who attend as toddlers will return as teenagers, eventually bringing their own friends and family. Couples settling into their new home might one day watch their grandkids form lasting memories as the tree illuminates the sky.
To everyone who joined us to ring in the holiday season: thank you. Your presence made the evening what it was — a genuine celebration of community and the simple joy of gathering together. We can’t wait to see you at next year’s tree lighting, and at the many events we have planned between now and then.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What events at Westerly can residents attend?
The Waypoint amenity center hosts year-round programming including fitness classes, social mixers, seasonal celebrations, and community workshops. Connect with our Lifestyle Director for a current events calendar.
Will the tree lighting happen again next year?
Absolutely. The annual tree lighting has become a cornerstone tradition at Westerly, with plans already underway for the 2026 celebration.
How can new residents get involved in events at Westerly?
Visit The Waypoint amenity center to connect with staff and receive information about upcoming gatherings or how residents can start their own community traditions. Following Westerly’s social media channels and community newsletters ensures you never miss an event.
What makes Westerly’s Waypoint amenity center special?
The Waypoint serves as Westerly’s community hub, designed specifically for gathering, connecting, and building relationships. It’s where everyday life at Westerly comes alive through programming that brings neighbors together.
Where is The Waypoint amenity center located?
The Waypoint amenity center is located at 86 Westerly Blvd., Erie, CO 80516.
Can I view highlights from this year’s tree lighting?
Events and video highlights are available on Westerly’s website and social media channels. We love seeing residents share their own photos from community events — tag us so we can celebrate together.
