The City of Grande Prairie and DownTown Association invite the community to join in the annual Christmas Tree Light-Up on Sunday, November 27 at the H.A. Rice Plaza at Bonnett’s Energy Centre.

“The City is thrilled to announce this year’s Christmas tree-light up, an important tradition in the community with our valued partner, the DownTown Association,” says Mayor Jackie Clayton. “We look forward to welcoming our friends, families, neighbours and more to join us for this festive occasion and Battle of the Badges game to kick-off the holiday season.”

“The Downtown Association along with the City of Grande Prairie are looking forward to the approaching holiday season,” says Downtown Association Executive Director, Wendy Bosch. “To kick it off in tradition, please join us for the Annual Tree Lighting, along with, free hot chocolate & cookies, music and of course our favorite person to take a photo with, Santa!”

The event starts at 4:00 p.m. with holiday festivities for all ages to enjoy, followed by the official lighting of the tree at 4:30 p.m.

Hammerhead Resources is sponsoring hot chocolate, candy canes, gingerbread cookies and family day passes to the Eastlink Centre which will be handed out by members of City Council and the Grande Prairie Storm.

Free photos with Santa are also available inside The Bowes.

Following the lighting of the tree, the Battle of the Badges hockey game takes place inside hosted by the Grande Prairie Fire Fighters Association featuring the Grande Prairie Fire Department versus the Grande Prairie R.C.M.P.

Doors to the hockey game open at 4:30 p.m. with a puck drop at 5:30 p.m.

Cost is by donation online at bonnettsenergycentre.com starting November 10 or in-person, with a minimum donation of $5 per person and $10 per family (children under 6 years old are free). All donations will go towards the 3D Children’s Charity.

The City and DownTown Association look forward to welcoming everyone to the City Centre for this annual festive tradition.