Holiday in the City grows into a full season

Five weeks of activities downtown kick off Friday with the start of ice skating, annual tree lighting.

What for several years was a one-day celebration to usher in the holidays in downtown Springfield is now officially its own season — five weeks of activities, specials and celebrations that last through the New Year.

Holiday in the City will kick off in grand style on Friday with the opening of the downtown skating rink at 5 p.m. on City Hall Plaza and activities leading to the grand illumination of the community Christmas tree, plus several other attractions, making it a mini version of the former oneday event.

The grand illumination event is free. The night will include Santa’s arrival around 5:30 p.m. around Columbia and Main streets on a fire truck up to the esplanade where the 55-foot tree is set, with costumed characters adding to the atmosphere. An emcee will do a formal countdown for the grand illumination.

That’s just the start. There will be music from D J Chill and other live entertainment, and the rink will be open until 9. The following day will be Small Business Saturday downtown and an ugly sweater karaoke will be held at the Market Bar at Cohatch, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Expect the return of carriage rides, holiday projections on

Holiday