FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SPRINGFIELD, MO — Get ready to experience the magic of the holiday season as Springfield kicks off its annual Mayor’s Tree Lighting Holiday Show at 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 23 in Park Central Square. This much-anticipated tradition, hosted by the City of Springfield and the Downtown Community Improvement District promises an evening of festive entertainment and dazzling lights to officially welcome the holidays.
The festivities begin at 5:45 p.m. with a sneak peek performance from the cast of Springfield Little Theater’s A Christmas Carol musical, followed by the Mayor’s annual reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Free books will be provided, courtesy of the Mayor’s Commission on Children. Expect Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus to arrive on the SGF Holiday Express shortly after 6 p.m. From 6-8 p.m. visit Santa in his “tree” house and enjoy live and video performances by local artists, school choirs, and special guests, setting the stage for a heartwarming community celebration. Mayor Ken McClure will lead the countdown to the lighting of the towering holiday tree shortly before 8 p.m., illuminating the square with thousands of sparkling lights. New this year is a drone show, courtesy of Visit Springfield Mo.
“This event is one of my favorite ways to bring the community together,” said Mayor McClure. “It’s a time to reflect on what makes Springfield special and to celebrate the joy and hope of the holiday season.”
After the tree lighting, families can enjoy a variety of holiday activities, including:
- Free downtown horse and carriage rides courtesy of the Downtown CID
- Free rides aboard the SGF Holiday Express circling Park Central Square
- Free cookies, hot cocoa, jingle bells while supplies last
- Santa’s Mailbox courtesy of the U.S. Post Office (Santa will write back!)
- Free Ice Skating at Brightspeed Ice Park, courtesy Brightspeed Fiber Internet
- New Route 66 Merry Market on Park Central West.
The Mayor’s Tree Lighting Holiday Show is part of the Festival of Lights, a season-long celebration featuring events and attractions throughout downtown Springfield. For a full schedule of events, visit springfieldmo.org.
This event is free and open to the public, so bring your family and friends to share in the holiday spirit!
Event Details
- When: 5-8:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 23
- Where: Park Central Square, Downtown Springfield, MO
- Cost: Free.
Schedule of Events
5-8:30 p.m. – Free ice skating at Brightspeed Ice park, NEW Route 66 Merry Market at Park Central West
5:45 p.m. – Free cookies and hot cocoa while supplies last
6 p.m. – Mayor’s Storytime
6-9 p.m. – Free horse and carriage rides downtown
6:10 p.m. – Santa’s arrival
6:10 – 7 p.m. – Live entertainment
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. – Selfies with Santa, holiday train rides
7-7:50 p.m. – Mayor’s Holiday Show broadcast on the big screen
7:50 p.m. – Countdown to tree lighting; drone show.
For more information about the event, visit sgffestivaloflights.com or follow the Festival of Lights on social media.
# # #
For more information, contact Cora Scott, Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement, at 417-380-3352 or [email protected].
The Mayor’s Tree Lighting Holiday Show is brought to you by:
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
