University Place Christmas Tree Lighting This Week

UNIVERSITY PLACE, WA — The city's annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Market Square is this Friday, and University Place officials hope to see the whole community come out for the festivities to kick off the holiday season.

One of the city's most popular events, the ceremonial lighting of the Market Square Christmas tree will take place between 4 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7. Commuters along Market Place West, off Bridgeport Way, should expect temporary road closures and delays from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. throughout the day.

Along with the Christmas tree lighting, the celebration will include local music performed by University Place school groups, hands-on activities for kids and families, food vendors, and even a visit from Santa Claus, who is expected to arrive around 5 p.m.

Instead of bringing his big red sleigh, however, Santa will show up riding a big red fire engine from West Pierce Fire & Rescue. Curtis High School Key Club volunteers will be on-hand to snap photos with Santa in the Civic Building atrium until 7:30 p.m.; pictures cost $5 each.

The tree lighting itself will take place at 6 p.m.

The University Place Christmas Tree Lighting Facebook page announced the following businesses will participate in the event:

• Hometown Dogs
• Tastyz Kettle Corn
• Top Pot Doughnuts
• Anthem Coffee and Tea
• Bliss Small Batch Creamery
• Mediterranean Gyro Grill
• Jersey Mike's
• Whole Foods

(Sign up for our free daily newsletters and Breaking News Alerts for the University Place Patch)

Image via Shutterstock