Community Corner
5 Things About Birmingham's Christmas Tree Lighting
Thousands of lights will bring Shain Park to life this holiday season, starting tonight in Birmingham.
The festive holiday lights went up around the city last week, but the city of Birmingham will officially usher in another holiday season starting tonight with the annual lighting of the Christmas Tree in Shain Park. Here's what you need to know:
The Details
Join city officials and one lucky winner of the Principal Shopping District's (PSD) tree-lighting contest as they flip the switch at 6 p.m.The Tree
The city will again use the artificial tree purchased last year for $30,000 and keep it in the Shain Park fountain, which is shut down for the winter. The 35-foot blue spruce is covered in lights and traditional Christmas tree decorations.What's New?
This year's tree topper will still be a star, technically, but will have a stronger resemblance to a snowflake. The PSD purchased the new decoration for $900 from Bronner's Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, including shipping.The Cost
With last year's purchase of the perpetual tree, costs to the city and residential taxpayers will be minimal, officials said. The tree is wrapped in 20,000 LED lights, which are expected to use less electricity than a small household kitchen appliance.The Fun
Flipping the switch is just part of experience. There will be live carolers, an opportunity to take a picture with Santa with the opening of the annual Santa House in Shain Park, and the start of free horse-drawn carriage rides through downtown.What do you enjoy most about Birmingham's tree lighting ceremony? Tell us with a comment.
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