Scenes from Marblehead’s 2026 Epiphany tree burning
From massive flames lighting the beach to intimate moments among families and firefighters, photographer Paula Muller captured the many sides of the Epiphany fire.
Newly hired Marblehead firefighter Jeremy Gillis helps a young attendee aim a fire hose during the Epiphany bonfire at Riverhead Beach, giving families a hands-on look at firefighting as the community celebrated the annual tradition. INDEPENDENT PHOTO / PAULA MULLER
Table of Contents
Sign up for our newsletter for clear weekly updates on boards, budgets and what’s changing in Marblehead — no spam. Sign up for our once-a-week newsletter.
Flames lit up the Marblehead shoreline Tuesday night as hundreds gathered at Riverhead Beach for the town’s annual Epiphany tree burning. With discarded Christmas trees stacked high and set ablaze, the longtime tradition marked the close of the holiday season and brought families, firefighters and first-time onlookers together on a calm winter evening.
Photographer Paula Muller captured scenes from the fire, from towering flames and drifting embers to quiet moments among the crowd.
Firefighters use flares to ignite the Christmas tree pile during Marblehead’s annual Epiphany bonfire at Riverhead Beach Tuesday night. INDEPENDENT PHOTO / PAULA MULLERResidents watch from behind barricades as the Epiphany bonfire burns at Riverhead Beach in Marblehead, braving the cold to take in the longtime winter tradition. INDEPENDENT PHOTO / PAULA MULLERFirefighters stand silhouetted against towering flames as the Epiphany bonfire burns at Riverhead Beach, fueled by dozens of discarded Christmas trees. INDEPENDENT PHOTO / PAULA MULLERMarblehead firefighters Liam Gilliland, Aidan Gillis and Chris McGrath stand near the flames during the town’s annual Epiphany bonfire at Riverhead Beach Tuesday night. McGrath, a guest igniter, helped start the Christmas tree fire as hundreds gathered to mark the end of the holiday season. INDEPENDENT PHOTO / PAULA MULLERA Marblehead firefighter tosses a Christmas tree onto the blazing pile as the Epiphany bonfire intensifies at Riverhead Beach Tuesday night. INDEPENDENT PHOTO / PAULA MULLERA young attendee, Cassidy O’Callaghan, watches the flames of the Epiphany bonfire at Riverhead Beach in Marblehead, bundled against the cold as the annual Christmas tree fire marked the end of the holiday season Tuesday night. INDEPENDENT PHOTO / PAULA MULLERSpectators line the edge of Riverhead Beach as flames roar from the annual Epiphany bonfire in Marblehead Tuesday night, with hundreds gathering to watch the Christmas tree fire light up the shoreline. INDEPENDENT PHOTO / PAULA MULLER
Firefighters stand silhouetted against towering flames as the Epiphany bonfire burns at Riverhead Beach, fueled by dozens of discarded Christmas trees. INDEPENDENT PHOTO / PAULA MULLER
A firefighter is silhouetted against the towering flames of the Epiphany bonfire at Riverhead Beach in Marblehead Tuesday night as the annual Christmas tree burning marked the end of the holiday season. INDEPENDENT PHOTO / PAULA MULLER
A Finance Committee presentation on Monday broke down how Marblehead officials say they could close the town’s projected FY2027 deficit, including school cuts already made, a proposed trash fee and an estimated $1.8 million still unresolved.
LWVM Observer: Tom Krueger
Members in Attendance: Public Health Director Andrew Petty, Tom McMahon, Tom Massaro and Amanda Ritvo
Minutes - Minutes from the meetings dated Nov. 10, Nov. 24, Dec. 9 and Jan. 3 were accepted.
Chair’s Report
Wellness Fair 2 - Another success, with congratulations to Tom
Nomination papers are now available for a June 16 election that will shape town government as Marblehead confronts budget pressure and policy decisions.
A Finance Committee presentation on Monday broke down how Marblehead officials say they could close the town’s projected FY2027 deficit, including school cuts already made, a proposed trash fee and an estimated $1.8 million still unresolved.
To the editor:
It was standing-room-only at the Abbot Library on Saturday, March 7, as our Marblehead Democrats caucused. The enthusiastic gathering heard from Democratic candidates and elected 18 delegates, including four alternates, to represent us at the Massachusetts Democratic State Convention. The Marblehead Democratic Town Committee is grateful to
Select Board member Moses Grader argues a reworked ledger shows schools directing roughly 63% of operating spending, leaving municipal leaders with less room to absorb sudden expense spikes.
LWVM Observer: Tom Krueger
Members in Attendance: Public Health Director Andrew Petty, Tom McMahon, Tom Massaro and Amanda Ritvo
Minutes - Minutes from the meetings dated Nov. 10, Nov. 24, Dec. 9 and Jan. 3 were accepted.
Chair’s Report
Wellness Fair 2 - Another success, with congratulations to Tom
