News | Contact | Meeting Notices | Water Advisories Select Language English Spanish HOME I WANT TO... RESIDENTS DEPARTMENTS NEWS ABOUT Nov 05 2021 Community Invited to Celebrate the Holiday Season at Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 26 Event will include lighting of the park, dance and music performances, and holiday themed activities The City of Kalamazoo will host its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 26 in Bronson Park (200 S. Rose St), with festivities planned from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The lighting of the park will occur at approximately 6:00 p.m. Every year, the City of Kalamazoo welcomes everyone in the community to celebrate the holiday season and the diverse traditions that are a part of life in Kalamazoo at the Tree Lighting Ceremony. City records suggest that this Kalamazoo tradition started nearly 90 years ago, with City Commission Meeting Minutes from 1937 mentioning the “Sixth Annual Tree Ceremony”. The event was canceled in 2020 to help protect the community from the COVID-19 pandemic. “It was heartbreaking to have to cancel the Tree Lighting Ceremony last year, during a time where we all wanted a reason to come together and celebrate,” explained Sean Fletcher, Director of Kzoo Parks. “We are looking forward to bringing back this tradition and ushering in the holiday seasons with so many families and smiling faces from our community.” Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. including music and dance performances, crafts provided by Kalamazoo Valley Museum, reindeer from GG Reindeer Farm, ice sculpting by Ice Guru, hot chocolate provided by Kzoo Parks and First Presbyterian Church, and visits with Santa provided by Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase from food trucks lined up along the park on South Street including Teresa’s Kitchen, Coffee Rescue, Weller Barbecue, and Incredible Kettle. Ada LeeAnn, an indie-pop singer will kick off performances from 5:00 to 5:10 p.m. followed by Blendings Vocal Ensemble an adult pop vocal ensemble from 5:15 to 5:40 p.m. The Mayor, City Commissioners, City Manager, and Santa will then join the stage to read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ and flip the switch to light up Bronson Park, officially marking the start of the holiday season. After the park has been lit, Trinity Prep Center dance group will perform from 6:10 to 6:25 p.m. followed by Small Sounds with pop, rock, and electric music for kids from 6:30 to 6:45 p.m. DJ Chuck will close out the show from 6:45 to 7 p.m. Attendees should remain cautious and follow CDC and local health official guidelines to protect themselves and the community from COVID-19. This event is free, and all community members are welcome. City of Kalamazoo Community Local Government Contact Copyright © 2021 City of Kalamazoo