Tree-lighting Ceremony to Kick Off City's Holiday Festivities

The City of Beaumont and the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce will kick off their annual Christmas festivities with an official tree-lighting ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m. Representatives from the Fire Department will place the star on the city’s tree, and Santa will be there too.

The event marks the official beginning of the 2009 Christmas Holiday Festival, which includes four days of shopping, live entertainment, a street parade and a lighted boat parade. To celebrate the tree-lighting, admission to the holiday skating rink will be free from 5 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 3. The rink will be located between the Julie Rogers Theatre, 765 Pearl St., and the Public Library.  There also will be a free outdoor screening of “Polar Express” beginning at 6:30 p.m.  

The Christmas Holiday Festival & Parade runs Dec. 3-6. The street parade, lighted boat parade, and many other activities are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5. For a complete schedule of events, times and locations, visit www.cityofbeaumont.com.

WHAT: 2009 Christmas tree-lighting ceremony
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m.
WHERE: Grounds of the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, Main Street