Mayor Smiley to Host Annual City Hall Tree Lighting
Celebration Features Local Performers, Fun for All Ages
PROVIDENCE, RI– Mayor Brett P. Smiley, Providence City Councilors; Providence Tourism Council Chair Alexis Gorriarán, and Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism Director Joe Wilson Jr. will gather on the front steps of Providence City Hall on Friday, December 6, 2024 for the City’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The event is free and open to the public and includes numerous performances and activities for celebrants of all ages and abilities.
“I’m thrilled to kick off the holiday season with our annual Christmas tree lighting and bring our community together to share in the festive spirit,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “There are so many fun and exciting events we are hosting this holiday season, from this tree lighting to world-class plays at PPAC and Trinity, to unique artisan markets across the city where you are sure to find the perfect holiday gift. I hope you will join us and celebrate the season in Providence throughout December and beyond.”
The event will kick off with a performance by the 18 Wheelers Acapella Group from Wheeler School, followed by the Lillian Feinstein Sackett Street Choir. After both youth choirs perform, Santa will join the celebration with a parade that culminates with the lighting of the tree at City Hall. Following the lighting ceremony, Chachi Carvalho will take the stage as the headliner from 6:15 to 7:30 PM. After the show, cast members from Trinity Repertory Theater’s A Christmas Carol will lead the crowd in caroling past an illuminated light experience by The Avenue Concept on Eddy Street and down Westminster Street to the Holiday Market at Grant’s Block. DWRI Letter Press will also be on site throughout the event, leading family-friendly activations.
“Every December, we come together in Providence to dispel the long winter nights by illuminating the Christmas tree at City Hall. Surrounded by the warmth of people and glow of the lights, we celebrate our faith, support those in need, and reflect on the past year,” said President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo (Ward 9). “I wish you and your loved ones a holiday season filled with joy and peace, and in the year ahead, I encourage you to join us in fulfilling the promises and messages of this Christmas season.”
Food and refreshment options for the tree lighting ceremony include W’s Mobile Pizza, Chicked out Nuggz, and Haven Brothers. The Providence Canteen will also be on site, serving up hot chocolate.
The trees adorning the steps of City Hall and the Providence Rink were donated by a member of the public who had slated them for removal. The trees were selected and prepared by the City of Providence’s Forestry Division, with generous transportation support from Stanley Tree Service. Following the holiday season, the trees will be turned into eco-friendly mulch for a City park.
“This holiday season the Providence Tourism Council is thrilled to work together with Mayor Brett Smiley to present the Providence City Hall Tree Lighting event and our Illuminate PVD program that works to illuminate some of our city’s public spaces, parks and buildings,” said Providence Tourism Council Chair Alexis Gorriarán. “We welcome residents and visitors to experience the charm of our Creative Capital and immerse themselves in the magic of the season.”
The tree lighting is part of the weekend-long celebration, Three Nights of Lights, produced by the Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau that includes several events, all incorporating the theme of light. Three Nights of Lights returns to Providence December 5, 6 and 7, featuring ice sculptures at Biltmore Park, a partial WaterFire lighting in Memorial Park, holiday markets and illuminated murals and installations throughout the city. New this year, create holiday magic with a ticketed Gingerbread Breakfast at the Graduate on Saturday, December 7, from 10 a.m. – noon, where families can enjoy a brunch buffet, arts and crafts, photos with Ballet RI’s ‘The Nutcracker’, and a special Gingerbread Kit courtesy of Ellie’s and the Downtown Providence Park Network. Catch the MASARY ‘Sound Sculpture’ presented by FirstWorks, an interactive sound and light instrument in Biltmore Park on Friday, December 6 beginning at 4:45 p.m. And don’t miss The Avenue Concept’s Illuminated Avenue, featuring curated exhibits, party stations, illuminations and storytelling on Thursday, December 5 and Friday, December 6. Details are available at ThreeNightsofLights.com.
