Copyright cleveland.com
MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, Ohio – From horse-drawn carriage rides to a dazzling fireworks show, the city’s Christmas Tree Lighting Festival on Nov. 28 will bring the holiday spirit to life. Families can enjoy train rides, dancing, and a visit from Santa as the community gathers to celebrate one of the season’s most beloved traditions. The festival runs from 5 to 8 p.m. at City Hall Park and the Community Center, featuring live entertainment, reindeer, and holiday performances. Presented by the City of Middleburg Heights and the City Club of Middleburg Heights, the annual celebration promises something new for everyone. “Each holiday season, we try to add something new and exciting,” said Recreation Director Mark Elliot. “That can be in many forms, maybe a new display, a new activity, or new entertainment. People love new surprises, especially at Christmas Time.” The festivities begin at 5 p.m. with the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree, followed by Santa’s grand arrival and a performance by NEO 5. Families can then enjoy train rides, carriage rides, the Siberian Husky Club, and a reindeer display throughout the evening. “All of our families and friends attending get super excited when Santa arrives, joins the Mayor to do the Tree Lighting countdown, and sets off a spectacular firework display,” Elliot said. The celebration continues inside the Community Center with a packed lineup of performances and activities. At 5:30 p.m., Parkway Dance will take the ballroom stage, followed by Berea-Midpark’s Center Stage at 6 p.m. Bridge the Gap will close out the evening with a 6:30 p.m. holiday performance in the atrium. Families can also stop by for photos with Santa and refreshments. “One of our newest features will be our display of your favorite Christmas characters wrapped around our Atrium Stairway inside the Community Center,” Elliot said. “It’s sure to be a great photo opportunity.” Elliot encouraged families to arrive early, noting that parking is available at the Community Center, City Hall, and Community Church at Bagley and the Parkway. “Our festival is going to ‘WOW’ all first-time visitors, especially the kids,” he said. “There are so many different things going on, they won’t know where to go first.” For Elliot, the most rewarding part of the night is seeing the joy it brings to families. “The best part for me is to see all the smiles, especially when they step up into Santa’s Sleigh and sit on his lap,” he said. “Special moments and great memories.”
