Columbus’ Christmas tree to be lit-up this weekend

The city of Columbus will have a Christmas tree at City Hall, but there won’t be an official lighting ceremony.

City officials say that there are several reasons for this change. Mary Ferdon, the city’s executive director of administration, explains that, in the past, the lighting ceremony was held after the Festival of Lights Parade. She says that this year’s parade isn’t until December 3rd and that the city wants people to enjoy the lights this weekend as a number of holiday shoppers will be out and about through Columbus.

Ferdon says that other aspects of the parade has led to the decision to not have an official tree-lighting ceremony. She notes that the parade route is different from in years past, making it difficult for people to come to City Hall following the parade. Ferdon adds that there has been a diminishing crowd for the tree-lighting ceremony in recent years.

The city says all holiday lights in the city, including the Christmas tree, will be lit-up on Friday.