Anoka to Celebrate 33rd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
ANOKA, Minn. – Celebrating its 33rd year of this festive tradition, Anoka welcomes all to join its annual Christmas tree lighting event on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, in historic downtown Anoka at City Hall River Plaza. Merriment will abound to bring back memories of an old-fashioned Christmas with festivities from 3-7 p.m.
Capture photographs as your children share their holiday wish list during their free visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Pose by the large wooden cutouts of nutcrackers and snowmen for those holiday selfies and family photos. Enjoy complimentary horse-drawn trolley rides along Second Avenue, merry holiday music, and gather around the bonfires to keep warm and toasty. Listen for the sounds of the Anoka High School Seventh Avenue Carolers strolling in the early evening while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Food vendors will be selling hot cocoa and tasty treats.
Mayor Rice will welcome everyone at 5:55 p.m. and the countdown to the tree lighting will begin at 5:59 p.m. With the tree shining bright, fireworks will add magical excitement to the evening sky.
Add some joy to those in need this holiday season. Toys for Joy Anoka County will be accepting new, unwrapped toy donations for children (infants to teens) at their booth, and will be selling s’mores kits to toast at the bonfires. Help us stuff the bus! First Student bus company will have a bus parked on First Avenue and will be collecting non-perishable food items and monetary donations for ACBC Food Shelf.
Come early to take a walk along the Rum River, do some holiday shopping at the many unique stores, plus shop for gifts at the Anoka Artisan Delights Winter Market at The Mill Site – Events on the River, 111 Harrison Street (9 a.m.–6 p.m.), showcasing more than 20 talented artisans and their beautiful artwork. Dine at one of the many downtown restaurants. Take in all that Anoka has to offer. Anoka welcomes you.
Anoka City Hall River Plaza is located at 2015 First Avenue North in downtown Anoka, along the Rum River. For more information, visit www.anokaminnesota.com or call 763-421-7130 or 763-576-2700.
