City of Kenosha tree lighting to be held Nov. 24

KENOSHA- The lighting of the City of Kenosha’s Christmas tree will kick off an evening of festivities for the annual Lightin’ Up celebration downtown on Friday, Nov. 24.

Entertainment begins at 3:45 p.m., including holiday music and dance performances by students from the Kenosha Academy of Performing Arts, as people begin to gather near the City Christmas tree at Fountain Plaza, west of the Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 First Ave. Look for the Frost Queen and Snow Princess mingling with the crowd on the beautifully decorated museum campus. Miss Kenosha 2023 Willow Newell will lead the crowd in a Christmas carol and welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus to the stage.

Common Council President Rocco LaMacchia, Sr. will share a holiday greeting before a count down at 4:30 p.m. to light the tree, showcasing 1,200 colored bulbs. Each fall the City parks department harvests a Christmas tree donated by a local citizen. This year’s Christmas tree was grown by Neal and Frances Smaxwill, and Neal donated the Christmas tree in memory of his late wife.

Following the tree lighting, the Lightin’ Up celebration continues downtown with family activities, live entertainment and special promotions at Downtown businesses.

Santa will be available to visit with people from 5-8 p.m. at the Rhode Center for the Arts, 514 56th St. Visits with Santa are free and photos are welcome. Mrs. Claus will help children write letters to Santa at Actor’s Craft, 4900 Seventh Ave. from 5:15 to 8 p.m. Letters will be deposited in her special North Pole Mailbox. People can check out the festive windows and vote for their favorite holiday display in the Downtown Business Decorating Contest.

Festivities continue downtown through the end of this year, with a theme of “Merry and Bright.” For further details about specials, entertainment and activities, visit www.visitkenosha.com.