City of St. George, Dixie State to hold two events to kick off holiday season

Photo from previous Kickoff to Christmas event, St. George, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of city of St. George, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — To help Southern Utahns get in the holiday spirit, the city of St. George and Dixie State University will be hosting events on Monday and Wednesday, respectively, that will include musical performances, a tree-lighting ceremony, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus and more.

Kickoff to Christmas at Town Square

Head downtown to Town Square Park on Monday at 6 p.m. and catch the unveiling of the eye-popping holiday lights, accompanied by free food, music and a visit from Santa Claus as part of the annual Kickoff to Christmas.

“This is a wonderful tradition recalled fondly by many of our residents over the years,” said Emerson Watanabe, recreation manager for the city of St. George.

In addition to the countdown for the holiday lights, the festivities include the following:

  • Musical performances by Mikalene Ipson, Brodie Perry, Legacy Elementary and Dixie Middle School Choirs.
  • An ugly sweater contest. Enter here.
  • Photo opportunities with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus near the Carousel.
  • Free hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies will be available to the first 500 people in attendance.
  • A gingerbread parade will take place along Main Street.
  • The St. George Carousel and St. George Children’s Museum will be open until 8 p.m.

Mayor Michele Randall and members of the City Council will also lead the crowd in singing “Silent Night” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”

Trailblazer Nation Tree Lighting Celebration

Dixie State University invites the community to usher in the most wonderful time of the year by attending the annual Trailblazer Nation Tree Lighting Celebration on Wednesday on the Dixie State campus next to Jeffrey R. Holland Centennial Commons at the intersection of Trailblazer Boulevard and University Avenue.

In this 2020 file photo, Dixie State University’s 40-foot tree is ceremoniously lit for the first time of the season at the Trailblazer Nation Tree Lighting Celebration, St. George, Utah | Photo courtesy of Dixie State University, St. George News

Festivities will run from 5-7 p.m. with the traditional lighting of Dixie State’s 40-foot tree taking place at 6 p.m. The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

“There is no better place to celebrate the holidays than on the DSU campus,” Megan Church, director of University Events & Promotions at Dixie State, said. “The institution loves extending enriching opportunities to our community as part of our ‘active learning. active life.’ approach to education, and Trailblazer Nation Tree Lighting Celebration is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.”

The celebration will include performances from local groups and organizations as well as special appearances by Santa & Mrs. Clause, The Grinch and Dixie’s own Brooks the Bison. Additionally, the event will feature holiday games and activities while supplies last, tractor and carriage rides down Palm Street and holiday treats and food available for purchase from local vendors. The first 500 attendees also will receive this year’s DSU ornament.

Campus lights and the 40-foot light tree, which will be located on campus in the roundabout on Trailblazer Boulevard, will remain lit through the New Year’s holiday. For more information, click here.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2021, all rights reserved.

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