Community Corner

Santa Flips Switch to Light Up Royal Oak

Residents young and old gathered for a holiday tradition in Royal Oak – the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The Royal Oak Farmers Market was the stage for the 31th annual tree lighting ceremony Thursday night. Thousands enjoyed holiday shopping, an outdoor sing-a-long with the Royal Oak Children's Choir and Salvation Army Band, and a visit from Santa – who arrived with great fanfare on a fire truck.

The crowd helped Santa, along with Mayor Jim Ellison and city commissioners, with a loud countdown. Using the latest in North Pole technology, Santa magically lit the big evergreen tree outside City Hall. Everyone applauded as the night went from dark to dazzling.

Once the tree was lit, many made their way to it for photos, while others got in line to get their picture taken with Santa.  

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Inside the farmers market, roughly 60 unique local crafters and vendors were on hand with crafts, antiques, collectibles, toys and holiday greenery to assist people with holiday shopping needs.

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Happy holidays!


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