Harbor Springs Tree Lighting back for 108th year

Karly Graham, The Petoskey News-Review
·2 min read

HARBOR SPRINGS — As the holiday season approaches, Harbor Springs is preparing for their annual Christmas Tree lighting, set for 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25 in downtown Harbor Springs.

This will be the 108th year of the tradition.

The tree arrived in Harbor Springs on Nov. 8, but will be lit officially at the tree lighting. Winners of the holiday window decorating contest will be announced that evening as well.

The 108th annual Harbor Springs Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. on Nov. 25, 2023.
The 108th annual Harbor Springs Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. on Nov. 25, 2023.

The contest began at the start of the month, and the judging will take place Nov. 24. The theme this year is “Shades of Pink.”

Following the tree lighting, the public is invited to attend a chili dinner at the Holy Childhood Parish Hall, where people will be able to visit with Santa, and enjoy homemade cookies and hot cocoa. The event is free to the public, said Harbor Springs Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bonnie Kulp.

Also starting the day of the tree lighting, a mailbox for children to send their letters to Santa will be placed in front of the Lyric Theatre. The letters can be dropped off anytime from the tree lighting to Christmas.

The holiday lights and Christmas tree in downtown Harbor Springs create a postcard scene for the holidays.
The holiday lights and Christmas tree in downtown Harbor Springs create a postcard scene for the holidays.

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The tree lighting will be live streamed on the Harbor Springs Facebook page for those unable to attend in person, although Kulp warns there have been technical difficulties in the past.

Additionally, starting Nov. 22, downtown Harbor Springs will be featured on the Hallmark Christmas Cam for the second year in a row. Those interested in watching the tree lighting — or downtown Harbor Springs in general through the season — can do so online. The Hallmark Christmas Cam does not have working audio.

“Tree lighting is just a fantastic community feel-good event,” Kulp said. “Just an opportunity for everyone to come together and have a fabulous time.”

— Contact reporter Karly Graham at kgraham@petoskeynews.com. Follow her on Twitter at @KarlyGrahamJRN.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Harbor Springs Tree Lighting back for 108th year