Welcome the holidays at O’Fallon’s free Tree Lighting Ceremony

Everyone is invited to gather at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) and help ring in the official start of the holidays at O’Fallon’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to bring their cameras to this free event, which will be held from 6–8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20. City Hall is located at 100 North Main Street in O’Fallon (63366).

The Tree Lighting Ceremony kicks off with families helping Mayor Bill Hennessy count down to the lighting of a huge Christmas tree in the City Hall Rotunda. Festivities include live choral music, holiday games and crafts, holiday characters and free visits with Santa. Weather permitting, families can board the City Train for a free ride. Concessions and shopping for holiday decorations, crafts and gifts are included in the fun. 

In the spirit of holiday giving, everyone is asked to bring canned or boxed goods and personal care items for donating to O’Fallon’s Cornucopia of Care food drive, which benefits local food pantries. While supplies last, a commemorative City of O’Fallon ornament will be presented to each family that donates. Patrons also are invited to bring new winter hats, gloves, mittens, scarves and socks to decorate the “Giving Tree” in the lobby. The items will be donated to the Salvation Army.

Volunteers are needed to help with this fun, family-oriented event. Please contact Volunteer Services at 636-379-5507, or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us. Or, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/volunteer.

For more information about the Tree Lighting Ceremony, call 636-379-5614 or email mseymour@ofallon.mo.us.