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 experience the joy of the arts.
WATCH LIVE on MeTV!
Watch the Mayor’s annual tree lighting on MeTV (channel 33.3) at 7 PM Nov. 23 and rebroadcast on KY3 Christmas week.48-FOOT HOLIDAY TREE
Find Santa and Mrs. Claus in their Christmas Tree House at the foot of Springfield’s 48-foot tree in the center of Park Central Square. Santa will arrive Nov. 23 and welcome visitors on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout December.SEE LOCAL TALENT!
Enjoy local, talented performing artists live and via video on the jumbo screen in Park Central Square.Live: 6-7 PM | Video: 7-8:30 PM
HOLIDAY STORYTIME
Children: Join Mayor Ken McClure on stage in Park Central Square for the reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.' Free books while supplies last, courtesy of the Mayor’s Commission for Children and The Musgrave Foundation.
6 PM
SELFIES WITH SANTA
& FREE TREATS
Snap a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy FREE cookies and hot chocolate on Park Central Square!
6:30-8:30 PM while supplies last!
FREE ICE SKATING
Enjoy FREE ice skating at Brightspeed Ice Park and holiday lighting at Jordan Valley Park. Admission and skate rental is free, provided by Brightspeed Fiber Internet. Space is limited.
Saturday, Nov. 23 5-8:30 PM
See the full schedule.
CARRIAGE RIDES
FREE horse-drawn carriage rides courtesy of the Downtown Community Improvement District.
6-9 PM
SGF HOLIDAY EXPRESS
Enjoy a FREE lighted holiday train ride in Park Central Square
6:30-8:30 PM
WHERE TO PARK?
Check out itsalldowntown.com for free, paid and private parking options.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Want to be part of this grand holiday tradition?2024 Sponsors:
Ice Skating Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Supporter
Supporter
Supporter
- Ambiance
- Luke Cooksey
- Jessie Cowen (live)
- Isabella Love
- Paco Padilla and Grupo Canela
- Destin Snape
- Springfield Ballet
- Springfield Little Theatre
- Springfield Symphony
- Michael Spyres
- Studio Vie Dancers (live)
- Gary Turner
- Anastasia Vang