It’s often said that the best part of taking a long trip is coming back home again, returning to the warm, familiar environment we call “home.” Traditions are similar. They provide that solid, stable foundation upon which so many fond, family memories are made. One such long-standing tradition, which has stood the test of time over more than a decade, is the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in downtown Hobart, which returned this year to the enjoyment of all who attended.
“Last year, we sat out on a lot of activities, so we were kind of excited to bring it back this year,” said Nikki Lopez, Event Director for the City of Hobart. “We always have such a great response from the community for this event, and we’re really excited to see everyone here.”
“We only have a relatively small space here for the tree lighting, and COVID-19 is still a thing, so we sort of limited the activities this year to allow for better social distancing,” said Lopez.
This year’s tree lighting ceremony welcomed visitors with the sounds of the Hobart High School Choir, who entertained the crowd with a selection of holiday music. V1 Church was on hand with a snow machine as well as fun and games for the kids. New this year is Santa’s Mailbox, where kids (and adults, too) can drop off their letters to Santa. Also new this year is the addition of fireworks immediately following the countdown to the official tree lighting. The city also partnered with nearby Librarium Cafe, in offering a special deal on hot chocolate and cookies for the tree lighting.
“This is something that we look forward to every year,'' said Brian Snedecor, Mayor of the City of Hobart. “It brings families together to really think of all the things that Christmas is really about. They can come out here, listen to the band playing and it just really highlights the importance of family. We couldn’t be more excited.”
Snedecor said that the annual tree lighting event was moved up a bit this year in the city’s schedule of events.
“I think it’s really worked out well, because after this, we have our Holiday Market coming up, so everything is sort of focused on this weekend and I just think it’s a great idea,” said Snedecor.
“It’s so nice to be out here, to see all the families huddling together, enjoying their time together, and soon we’ll have Santa here to do the countdown to the tree lighting, so that will be something really special.”
Deanne Creech of Hobart was attending the tree lighting with her family.
“We’re here with my son, as well as his girlfriend and their daughter, so she can see the tree lighting,” said Creech. “ This is her first year, so we’re pretty excited. She’ll be two in January. She doesn’t know she’s going to see Santa here tonight, too.”
Creech had one word for the event - “perfect.”
“They did such a great job here. Everything is just perfect – they even have some snow,” Creech said, nodding toward the V1 Church tent, with its snow machine adding a little bit of seasonal ambiance.
Located at the plaza on the corner of 3rd and Main Street, Santa’s Magic Mailbox will be available for little ones to drop off their special letters to Santa from now until Christmas Eve.
For more information about the City of Hobart, including upcoming events, visit
them online at https://in-hobart2.civicplus.com/.
