Ready to seize that holiday spirit and sprint into Christmas?
The City of Surrey's annual Tree Lighting Festival is this weekend, featuring the annual lighting of the Christmas tree, in addition to a sleighful of family fun and music.
Headlining this year's event is Alyssa Reid, an 18-year-old recording artist whose high-energy beats and beautiful ballads have garnered her plenty of airplay and YouTube attention. Award-winning children's entertainer Fred Penner will also grace the Surrey stage, bringing his memorable, feel-good tunes to kids of all ages.
Other performers include Bobs 'n' Lolo, The Tourist Company, Praise Dance Team, Top Line Vocal Collective, Queen Elsa and Anna and Sweet Soul Gospel Choir.
The event has changed locations this year and will be held at the new Central City Plaza (13450 104 Ave.), with a satellite location nearby at Central City Shopping Centre.
Free family activities will include road hockey, a life-sized snow globe, Story Time Igloo and a Letters to Santa station.
And of course, the jolly man himself will also make an appearance.
The festivities start at 11 a.m. on Nov. 22, with Santa arriving at noon at Central City and the rest of the celebrations taking place until 8 p.m. at City Hall Plaza. The tree lighting will be at 6:15 p.m.
Outgoing Mayor Dianne Watts says the festival has become a holiday tradition for the city.
“It is an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the spirit of the season. We have programmed the event with families in mind, and this year will not disappoint with top notch entertainment, great family activities, and of course, the beautiful Christmas tree,” she said.
For more information and a full line-up of events, check www.surrey.ca/treelighting