A Westfield Winter: Annual tree-lighting ceremony returns Dec. 1

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Residents will experience holiday cheer at the annual Westfield in Lights event from 3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 1 in downtown Westfield. In addition to returning features such as the reindeer petting zoo, live music, pictures with Santa and more, Westfield in Lights will offer new activities for families to enjoy.

Visitors can watch an ice sculptor carve a snowman out of a block of ice from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. A character artist will provide free sketches throughout the event. Other new features include a rock-influenced Christmas performance by Bach to Rock instructors; photos with the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who; and five new vendors in the Sugar Plum Shoppes.

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Girl Scouts will display gingerbread houses in Christ United Methodist Church. Attendees can use pennies to vote for their favorites.

RETURNING FAVORITES

Returning favorites include the Girl Scouts’ gingerbread house competition at Christ United Methodist Church, 318 N. Union St. Attendees can use pennies to vote for their favorite gingerbread house. The contest is a fundraiser for the Girl Scouts.

Pictures with Santa also will be at the church. Pictures with Frosty will be at City Hall, 130 Penn St. A train will transport residents within the event space. Westfield Friends Church will feature a live nativity at Hadley Park, at the northeast quadrant of Main and Union streets.

“So many components of our city are involved in Westfield in Lights. The schools, churches, businesses and service organizations embrace this event and this time of year,” Community Events Manager Kelley Wells said. “It’s a lot of fun for all ages, and it is the perfect backdrop to create traditions and memories.”

All activities are free except horse-drawn carriage rides, which sold out in 25 minutes this year.

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Mayor Andy Cook will light the tree at 6:50 p.m. Dec. 1. (Submitted photos)

MAIN STAGE SCHEDULE

From 4:30 to 4:50 p.m., the Oak Trace Treble Choir will perform on the Main Stage, just northeast of Main and Union streets. A reindeer show will be from 5 to 5:20 p.m. Bach to Rock will perform from 5:30 to 5:50 p.m. The Westfield High School Band will perform from 6 to 6:20 p.m. The Westfield High School Signature Sound Choir will perform from 6:30 to 6:50 p.m. At 6:50 p.m., Mayor Andy Cook will light the tree.

STAYING WARM

To counter the cold, Westfield in Lights will feature a fire pit and five heating stations throughout the event. Titus Bakery and the Westfield Washington Historical Society will sell hot chocolate and coffee. Titus Bakery also will sell doughnuts and cookies. Christ United Methodist Church will sell hot dogs, popcorn, hot chocolate and coffee inside the church. Other food vendors include S&V Meats, Hotbox Pizza and Uncle Gary’s Kettle Corn.

THE FUTURE OF WESTFIELD IN LIGHTS

Grand Junction Plaza continues to take shape, and Communications Director Vicki Duncan Gardner said the Westfield in Lights event plans to move to the plaza when construction is complete.

“Part of the goal is to make downtown a place where people can connect and come together,” Gardner said. “Having a facility like Grand Junction Plaza is going to be perfect for an event like Westfield in Lights.”

Sugar Plum Shoppes vendor list

  • MeshXOXO
  • Kits and Kaboodle
  • Matilda Jane Clothing
  • MysticNeedle
  • Pam’s Tea Shoppe
  • Redwine Family Farms
  • Glass-a-Porium
  • Beautycounter
  • Creations by Heather
  • Hamilton County Chiropractic
  • Riverview Health
  • Centier Bank
  • Abundant Life Church
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A map of the activities offered at Westfield in Lights, scheduled from 3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 1 in downtown Westfield. (Submitted image)

Where to park

Westfield in Lights attendees have several options on parking for the event. The main lots include:

  • Christ United Methodist Church, 318 N. Union St.
  • Redman parking lot, southeast of Main and Union streets
  • Grand Junction public parking lot southwest of Main and Union streets
  • Asa Bales south parking lot, off Camilla Court
  • Street parking where available

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