NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 1, 2025
Contact: Kathleen Hoyle, Director of Parks & Recreation, (269) 329-4522
Portage to Light Up the City Centre at the Traditional Holiday & Tree Lighting Ceremony
The City of Portage will host the Annual Traditional Holiday & Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 6. The event begins at 6 PM in the City Centre with the lighting of the Mayor’s Tree. Portage students will read their winning I Love Portage essays and participate in the tree lighting. Steve Rossio, Portage District Library Historian, will read ’Twas the Night Before Christmas before Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive.
Following the tree lighting, attendees can join the PNHS Choir in a walk to Celery Flats, where activities continue throughout the evening.
At the Celery Flats Pavilion, the choir will lead caroling while visitors browse the Santa’s Village Boutique Market. Across the street, guests can view large holiday cards and decorated trees and visit Stuart Manor, where Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet children. Children may also write letters to Santa and place them in the North Pole mailbox at the 1856 Schoolhouse.
Additional activities include warming fires, live music from Proclamation Brass in the Grain Elevator, ice carving demonstrations, and a petting zoo. Complimentary milk and cookies will be available in the Hayloft Theatre, along with a holiday-themed photo opportunity. Children's crafts and hot chocolate (cash donations accepted) will be offered in a heated tent by the Portage Community Center.
For more information, visit the City of Portage on Facebook or Instagram @CityofPortageMI, or call Portage Parks & Recreation at (269) 329-4522.
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