CHAMPAIGN — As the holiday season approaches, many towns and cities are gearing up for their annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremonies. From Danville to Charleston, there are plenty of events to choose from. Here are some of the upcoming events:
- Danville’s Lighting of the Old Oak Tree: The Danville Girls Chorus, the San Ramon Valley High Chamber Singers and the Monte Vista High Chamber Singers will kick off the festivities, singing Christmas carols before the tree lights up at 6:30 p.m. on Diablo Road on Friday, Nov. 24.
- Civic Center Christmas Tree Lighting Event in Decatur: The ceremony starts at 6:45 p.m. with free ice skating beforehand. There will also be a collection of new unwrapped toys to give to foster children in the town on Saturday, Nov. 25.
- Downtown Champaign Christmas Tree Lighting: The lighting happens at One Main Plaza on Nov. 25th at 7 p.m., following the city’s Parade of Lights, which starts at 6 p.m.
- Paxton’s town tree: The town tree will light up on Nov. 29th at 7 p.m. at the intersection of Market Street and State Street.
- Charleston’s Holiday Tree of Lights: Festivities begin on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. with a musical performance by the Charleston Symphony Brass, followed by the illumination of the city’s Holiday Tree of Lights in Marion Square.
- Mahomet’s Village Christmas Tree Lighting: The village’s tree lighting will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m., with carriage rides and other activities starting at 5 p.m.
This story originally included an incorrect date for the Champaign ceremony. It has since been updated.
