The annual community Christmas tree lighting, hosted by Jefferson Matters: Main Street’s promotion committee, will by Thursday, Dec. 7, at 5:30 pm at the Thomas Jefferson Gardens. The public is invited.
Santa will arrive spectacularly to light the Christmas tree outside in the Gardens. Carols will be sung by the roving Jazzatonics choir of Greene County High School.
Refreshments of hot cocoa and cookies will be served by committee members. The first 200 children will receive a glow stick to wear to light up the evening.
After Santa lights the tree, sugar plum fairies from Prairie Blue Creative Arts will dance around it. Reindeer food will be available for kids to attract Santa’s deer as he makes his way on Christmas Eve to homes in the area. Other special activities are being planned as a part of the celebration.
The Thomas Jefferson Gardens board of directors will continue the tradition of tagging the tree with a special wish. One tag will be chosen to receive a Christmas prize.
Becky Greiner will provide a Christmas Tower Tunes live concert from 6:15 to 6:30 pm on the new 47 bell carillon. Santa Claus will meet youngsters at the top of the Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower following the tree lighting. There will be free admission to the tower courtesy of the Bell Tower Foundation. This will also provide a spectacular view of the downtown on a busy evening of shopping.
Jefferson Matters: Main Street’s Christmas chairperson Angie Reese-Hueser said, “This Christmas tree lighting tradition in downtown Jefferson continues to make wonderful memories for all ages. We hope to host another successful event.”