Grande Prairie’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting is moving virtual this year, with a livestreamed event.

Mayor Bill Given is officially lighting the tree at Revolution Place at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 29. The event will be available to livestream on the DownTown Association and City of Grande Prairie Facebook pages.

Following the tree lighting, Santa Claus is joining with a special message for all of Grande Prairie.

“It wouldn’t be Christmas without our annual tree lighting. We’re looking forward to spreading holiday cheer to all of your homes and carry on this cherished community tradition in a new format to keep everyone safe and healthy during the holiday season,” says Mayor Bill Given.

“The DownTown Association is honoured to welcome both Mayor Bill Given and Santa Claus himself to be part of this annual Christmas tradition in Grande Prairie. We are proud to carry on this event in a year of great change, and continue to provide a timeless holiday celebration- this time right to your smartphone and computer!” says Grande Prairie DownTown Association Director Wendy Bosch.

The City of Grande Prairie and DownTown Association encourage all to tune into the livestream to celebrate this annual holiday tradition as no in-person event is taking place.