Holiday Tree Lighting celebration on November 26 from 4 to 8 pm. Open to the public and free of charge the event serves as a countdown to the floating – 35-foot Christmas tree. Santa and Mrs. Claus will attend the festivities, which include a holiday market with over 30 vendors, complimentary kid stations and seasonal sounds from a live choir.

The evening also serves as the unveiling of the signature and refreshed Giant Gingerbread Village with its gumdrop, lollipop and candy-cane-lined path – guarded by two giant gingerbread men – leading to a raised clearing featuring cookie trees, a 16-foot-high gingerbread house and 12-foot windmill. The attraction is not the only Insta-worthy offering this season. Five new holiday art installations will help to set the scene around the urban core beginning the night of the tree lighting. Designed by Houston-based artist Anat Ronen, the larger-than-life creations will offer a whimsical take on nostalgic holiday elements ranging from elves to snowmen.