Celebrate the Holiday Season at the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Published on November 19, 2024
Event will include lighting of the park, dance and music performances, and holiday activities
The City of Kalamazoo will host its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 29 in Bronson Park (200 S. Rose St). Festivities are planned from 5 to 7 p.m., with the lighting of the park at approximately 6 p.m.
Activities will include music and dance performances, a kids craft tent provided by Kalamazoo Valley Museum, a sElfie station with holiday themed stand ins for photos, a gingerbread-themed tent for photos, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus once they arrive. There will also be an opportunity for guests to share what they are most grateful for this holiday season, with a chance to be featured on Kzoo Parks' social media channels.
New to the event this year, toy donations will be collected from attendees who would like to donate new or gently used toys. The toys will be given to children ages 10 and under at the December to Remember event hosted by the Kalamazoo Youth Action Council (KYAC).
The Holly Jolly Trolley will be running during and after the event from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. offering free rides through Downtown. The trolley will continue running throughout the holiday season from November 29 to December 24 on Thursdays and Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 12 to 8 p.m., and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m.
Complimentary hot chocolate will be available and other food and refreshments will also be available for purchase from food trucks and vendors lined up along the park on South Street including The Incredible Kettle, Scott’s Pig Roast, Teresa’s Kitchen, Coffee Rescue, and Ibison Concessions.
The event will be emceed by Von Washington Jr., the Executive Director of Community Relations for the Kalamazoo Promise. Sophia MacIntosh, a pop singer songwriter, will start a series of performances at 5 p.m. followed by Serita’s Black Rose, a funk, rock, blues duo, at 5:10, and Dylan Tolbert, an R&B soul artist, at 5:15. The Mayor, City Commissioners, City Manager, and Santa will then read the poem “Holiday Season in Kalamazoo” and flip the switch to light up Bronson Park, officially marking the start of the holiday season in Kalamazoo.
After the park has been lit, performances will resume. The Mayor will join Kalamazoo Civic Carolers shortly after 6 p.m., followed by blues and R&B soul trio, The Kennedy Affair, at around 6:10, and the Trinity Prep Center dance team at 6:30.
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 over 90 years ago, with City Commission Meeting Minutes from 1937 mentioning the “Sixth Annual Tree Ceremony”.
South St will be closed by the park on the day of the event starting at 1 p.m. The street will be open only to staff, the Holly Jolly Trolley, and Kalamazoo Civic traffic. The street is expected to reopen around 7 p.m. This event is free, and all community members are welcome.