Top off the Thanksgiving weekend by bringing the family to welcome the Christmas season at the City Green on Sunday, November 26, from 4 to 7 p.m., for the Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony, a tradition that is 22 years old. The festivities begin with a parade stepping off from the St. Albert the Great Royalwood parking lot at 4:45 p.m. Mayor Larry Antoskiewicz, will lead the way, with the North Royalton High School Drum Line doing their magic. Members of the parade will be welcoming the holiday season spreading good cheer and passing out candy to the spectators as they await the arrival of Santa Claus, riding high in the caboose of the North Royalton Fire Department fire truck. To see Santa riding in the fire truck, it is best to greet him at the north end of the City Green. As soon as Santa reaches the Green, he’ll get out of the fire truck and make his way to the Santa Hut to talk to all the children who are waiting in line to see him.
As the night sky darkens, Mayor Antoskiewicz will step up to the gazebo stage with area children, count down and flip the switch turning our City Green into a wonderland of lights. You will see light framed elves, reindeer, and toys blazing in color against the evening darkness. The North Royalton High School Drum Line will supply entertainment. Hot chocolate and pastry will be served to the holiday guests beginning at 4:15 p.m. as they await the arrival of Santa.
The Lions’ Club “Letters to Santa” mailbox is just perfect for dropping a letter to Santa to make sure he gets your request correct or add something more you may have forgotten. Santa and his elves have promised to respond to all letters. The official big red mailbox is just outside of the Fire Department. Deadline to mail your Santa letters is December 17.
It takes months of planning for the holiday lighting event. If you have a group or business that would like to be in the parade or take part in another way, or have other questions, contact Jackie Canter at 216-701-5905. The Recreation and Parks Department puts the muscle behind the magic of this beautiful light display. Everyone is invited to join the fun. Come to the 22nd Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony is on Sunday, November 26, from 4-7 p.m, on the City Green. Bring your your family and friends for a fun way to kick off the holiday season.