Community Invited to Celebrate at November 28 Tree Lighting Ceremony

Published on November 20, 2025

The City of Kalamazoo will host its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 28 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 kid’s 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. The Kalamazoo Husky Club will also join in the festivities as well as the Ice Guru with special ice sculptures. 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.

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 28 to December 24 on Thursdays and Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 7 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. The trolley will also have special hours on December 22, December 23, December 24, and on New Year’s Eve (December 31).

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, Teresa’s Kitchen, Coffee Rescue, Donut Cart, The Lab, and Ibison Concessions.

The event will be emceed by News Channel 3’s Broadcast Meteorologist, Will Haenni. Courtney Moore, an R&B singer-songwriter from Three Rivers, will open the show at 5 p.m., followed by Nashville recording artist Sophia MacIntosh at 5:15 p.m. and retro-inspired group Pinter Whitnick at 5:30 p.m.

At 5:45 p.m., Kalamazoo Mayor Anderson and Kalamazoo City Commissioners will read ’Twas the Night Before Christmas and will lead the countdown to light up the park. Mayor Anderson will join Kalamazoo Civic Carolers shortly after 6 p.m. After the tree lighting, performances will continue with Gemini Moon, a guitar-driven rock and pop duo, at 6:10 p.m., and the Trinity Prep Center dance team at 6:30 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 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 and the Holly Jolly Trolley. The street is expected to reopen around 7 p.m. This event is free, and all community members are welcome.