Downtown Monroe tree lighting Nov. 17

Suzanne Nolan Wisler, The Monroe News
·4 min read

MONROE — More children’s activities and the Social District are new at this year’s Hometown Holiday Lights event. The annual downtown Monroe tree lighting and holiday-prelude festival will take place 5:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 17, mostly in Loranger Square. The tree will be lit at exactly 7 p.m. by Monroe Mayor Robert Clark.

The tree lighting and festival has been held for more than three decades. It is organized by the City of Monroe and the Downtown Development Authority and draws hundreds each year.

"It is an outdoor event, so crowd sizes vary year to year, depending on the weather. Looking ahead, we’re hopeful that Mother Nature cooperates. So far it seems she might," the City of Monroe's Communications Department said in an email message.

Last year's Hometown Holiday Lights event and tree lighting in downtown Monroe's Loranger Square is shown. This year's event is Nov. 17.
Last year's Hometown Holiday Lights event and tree lighting in downtown Monroe's Loranger Square is shown. This year's event is Nov. 17.

The Social District, which debuted earlier this year, will be open.

“For the first time ever, the newly formed Social District will be open for adults to enjoy. Visitors 21 and older can purchase an alcoholic beverage from a participating location and drink it within the designated boundaries of the district, which includes the entire footprint of the tree-lighting event. As a special treat, drinks will be served in a limited-edition holiday cup (while supplies last) to commemorate the occasion,” the city said.

Imagination Station of Toledo is a new participant at the children’s activity area this year.

“The science center is bringing hands-on activities for the kids and families. They have a variety of fun, table-top experiences on the agenda,” the city said.

The children’s area also will includes activities from the Monroe Family YMCA and the Monroe County Opportunity Program. It will be open 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the courtyard between the courthouse and city hall.

Costumed characters also will be in attendance.

“The winter sisters, Ana and Elsa, along with the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who will attend the tree lighting for photos and meet and greets from 6-8 p.m.,” the city said.

An area child visits Santa and Mrs. Claus at last year's Hometown Holiday Lights event in downtown Monroe. Santa will return this year.
An area child visits Santa and Mrs. Claus at last year's Hometown Holiday Lights event in downtown Monroe. Santa will return this year.

Santa will be in the council chambers. He will speak with children and pose for photos 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Also offered 5:30-8:30 p.m. will be: Horse and wagon rides, games, a petting farm, live nativity, chestnut roasting by Monroe County Museum staff and strolling Victorian carolers. Food trucks will be downtown 5-9 p.m. Christmas carols and music by disc jockey Michael Madison also will be offered.

Lighted sculptures debuted two years ago and change each year.

“All new elements will be unveiled the evening of the 17th. We’re excited to add to the holiday ambiance created by this community-driven event," the city said. "Sculptures have been a part of the tree lighting since 2021. Not only do they add to the experience the night of the celebration, but they are an attraction for families to enjoy the entire holiday season."

A scene from the 2022 Hometown Holiday Lights event in downtown Monroe is shown.
A scene from the 2022 Hometown Holiday Lights event in downtown Monroe is shown.

Monroe County Library System’s Dorsch Memorial Branch, 18 E. First St., will be open from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and will offer crafts. Visitors also can see costumed characters from the River Raisin Ballet Company’s upcoming performance of “Nutcracker Ballet” at the River Raisin Centre for the Arts.

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The Monroe County Museum, 126 S. Monroe St., will be open from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Free light-up Christmas necklaces will be given away, while supplies last. New, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots will be accepted.

River Raisin Centre for the Arts, 114 S. Monroe St., will host vendors from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Sawyer Homestead, 320 E. Front St., will hold an open house from 4 to 9 p.m. Offered will be free hot cocoa, cookies, candy canes, coffee and tea. An elf will make animal balloons. Attendees also can tour the historic homes and see the decorated Christmas trees. For more information, call 734-242-0168.

East First Street between Monroe and Macomb streets and Washington Street between Second and Front streets will be closed from approximately 4 to 10 p.m. Nov. 17.

— Contact Suzanne Nolan Wisler at swisler@monroenews.com.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Downtown Monroe tree lighting Nov. 17