Harrisburg officials will light the city’s tree in an evening ceremony on Friday, Nov. 21.
Harrisburg is kicking off its holiday season this weekend.
At a press conference Monday, Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams announced that the city’s annual tree lighting ceremony will take place Friday, Nov. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the MLK Jr. City Government Center.
“The entire event is designated and designed to bring joy, comfort and a sense of connection to everyone,” Williams said.
The tree lighting will take place at 7 p.m.. This year’s Christmas tree comes from McCurdy’s Tree Farm in Dillsburg.
Guests will be offered free cocoa and cookies. They are encouraged to wear their best ugly holiday sweaters for the chance to win gift cards in an ugly sweater contest. The event will also feature an artists’ market for holiday gift shopping and children’s crafts.
“We encourage everyone to enjoy dinner at one of our local restaurants while downtown for the celebration,” added Williams.
Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams announced the city’s tree lighting ceremony and holiday parade at a press conference on Monday, Nov. 17.
The mayor also announced that the morning after the tree lighting, on Saturday, Nov. 22, the city will host its annual holiday parade.
The parade will feature 100 total entries, including a float with Santa Claus. The best in-theme float will earn a $100 gift card.
Spectators are invited to gather around the parade’s 1.5-mile loop. The event begins at Market and Front Streets at 10 a.m.. It will take place between Market and North streets on both Front and N. 2nd streets.
For 2025, the parade will feature pet-themed “Deck the Paws” floats as well as towering parade balloons, including Optimus Prime, Baby Smurf and Big Bird.
“The whole family is sure to enjoy this event,” said Harrisburg’s director of communications Mischelle Moyer. “It’ll be a memorable start to the holiday season in downtown Harrisburg.”
Six high school marching bands will participate: Central Dauphin East, Harrisburg, Shippensburg, Steelton-Highspire, Susquenita and Upper Dauphin. The city is offering prizes for the best performing band. First place will take $500; second place, $300; and third place, $200.
Twelve dance teams will compete for cash prizes as well. First place will take $150; second place, $100; and third place, $50.
Stationed in front of city hall, local television and news personalities will serve as the parade’s judges. The parade contest winners will be announced by the city in Strawberry Square after the event. Parade attendees are invited to gather in the building for free hot chocolate, cookies and a Santa Claus meet-and-greet.
The Market Square Garage will offer $10 parking from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., courtesy of Park Harrisburg. Bus stations are also located near the parade route.
On Saturday, ahead of the parade, the Market Street Bridge, as well as N. 2nd Street and Front Street from Market to Forster streets, will close to traffic starting at 7 a.m.. They are expected to reopen at about 2 p.m..
For more information, visit Harrisburg’s parade website.
