Join us starting at 6 p.m. Nov. 19 on Park Central Square or from the comfort of your own home for the Mayor's Tree Lighting Holiday Show! Each year, Springfield Mayor Ken McClure is honored to kick off the holiday season by officially lighting the “Mayor’s Tree” in Park Central Square. This tradition has grown tremendously over the past few years, morphing from primarily a children’s event to one which captures the attention of the entire community and draws spectators from around the region. In recent years, the event has become an entertaining showcase of performing artists, bringing cultural institutions like Springfield Ballet and Springfield Little Theatre to a whole new generation of Springfieldians who may not have access to the arts.

The City of Springfield is partnering with Springfield Regional Arts Council and various performing arts organizations, to stage a phenomenal holiday show in the tradition of Springfield’s impressive and deep entertainment roots. Citizens will have the option of watching the show on KY3 or coming down to the square to see the broadcast, followed by the live tree lighting. Children and their families will also be invited to take “Selfies with Santa,” enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides courtesy of the Downtown Community Improvement District, ice skate for free at Jordan Valley Ice Park and enjoy free hot chocolate and candy canes courtesy of the City.

The Mayor’s Commission on Children will provide free copies of the book 'Twas the Night Before Christmas during a reading on the square.

Back by popular demand is a holiday cookie station and free rides on the SGF Holiday Express Train, which will circle Park Central Square throughout the evening.

The Mayor’s Tree Lighting Holiday Show event serves as the kickoff for the annual Festival of Lights, coordinated by Downtown Community Improvement District.

For more information, visit sgffestivaloflights.com.

Performers
Matthew Huchteman
Princesses of the 417
Springfield Little Theatre YES Troupe
Emalee Flatness and the Honkytonk Renovators
Kim Crosby
Springfield Ballet
Jessie Cowen
Shaun Munday
Paco Padilla and friends – Songs from Tlaquepaque
Springfield Symphony Orchestra
Jin J X
Conrad and Tiffany Bear
Studio Vie Dancers
Michael Spyres
Drury University Christmas Vespers
Schedule of Events
6-7 p.m. – Free ice skating at Jordan Valley Park
6-9 p.m. – Free horse-drawn carriage rides at Park Central Square (southwest corner)
6 p.m. – Children are invited to join Mayor Ken McClure on stage at Park Central Square for Holiday Storytime: the reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Free books while supplies last courtesy of the Mayor’s Commission on Children
6:15 p.m. – Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at Park Central Square on the Holiday Express Train
6:20-7 p.m. Live performances on the Park Central Square stage
6:30-9 p.m. – Santa Land opens on Park Central Square – selfies with Santa and Mrs. Claus; free Holiday Express Train rides, Cookie Factory open; Jingle Bell Station open.
7-7:45 p.m. – Pre-recorded holiday television special on KY3 and broadcast into Park Central Square on the jumbo screen.
7:45 p.m. – Santa, Mrs. Claus and special musical guests join Mayor Ken McClure, KY’s Paul Adler and Maria Neider and Cora Scott for the countdown and lighting of the official Mayor’s Christmas tree
7:55 p.m. OFFICIAL LIGHTING
8-9 p.m. Talented local performers via video on the jumbo screen and continued opportunity to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa Land in Park Central Square.
Additional dates for free ice skating
Nov. 24, 5-6 p.m. (Thanksgiving Day)
Dec. 10, 6-7 p.m.
Dec. 17, 6-7 p.m.
Dec. 25, 5-6 p.m. (Christmas Day)
Free admission, $3/skate rentals.

For more information, please contact Cora Scott at 417-380-3352.