Celebration of Lights
Visitors gather for the annual Christmas tree lighting while listening to musical performances by local school groups. The celebration features hot cocoa, cookies, pony rides, a petting zoo, and letter writing to Santa. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by fire truck to illuminate the tree and visit with children, followed by a Live Nativity presentation.
What to Expect
Annual Christmas tree lighting with pony rides, Santa, and a live Nativity.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Great Falls Village
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Celebrate Great Falls Foundation
Food & Drink
Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies at the event.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and community-oriented
Energy Level
Low
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: A free community event.
- Hours: 4:00pm - 6:00pm.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early for pony rides and the petting zoo, since both close when the Live Nativity starts near the end of the evening.
- Line up for Santa soon after he lights the tree, because visits with Santa end promptly when the event wraps up.
- Dress warmly for an evening outdoors on the Village Field. In bad weather the tree is still lit, but the activities are not rescheduled.
- Have children write their letters to Santa early, while the pony rides, petting zoo and holiday treats are running before the tree lighting.
- Stay until the end for the Live Nativity, which closes out the celebration after Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by fire truck.
Special Events & Promotions
- The event is free for the community.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there for kids to do?
Kids can ride ponies, visit the petting zoo and write letters to Santa. After Santa and Mrs. Claus light the tree, children can share their holiday wishes with Santa.
Is there food and drink?
Yes. There's hot cocoa and cookies, plus holiday treats from Celebrate Great Falls Foundation sponsors.
Who performs?
Local school music groups perform: St. Francis Creche, King's Kids and Christ the King Choir, Village Green Day School, Mina's School, Great Falls United Methodist Preschool and Great Falls Elementary School.
How does Santa arrive?
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by fire truck to light the tree. Visits with Santa follow, and the evening ends with a Live Nativity.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The tree will still be lit, but the other activities will not be rescheduled.
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