MISSOULA — The Downtown Missoula Partnership has organized an annual Lighting of the Tree on north Higgins along with the annual Parade of Lights each year.
But due to COVID-19 instead of the lighting being a mass gathering with a parade, bonfire, and tree lighting it will take place for 10 consecutive days at 6pm.
This way there will be more oppurtunities for Missoula families to see the Tree Lighting in small groups from November 27 to December 6th.
“While the pandemic won’t allow us to come together for the ceremony this year, the community will be blown away by the new lights and holiday décor in Downtown Missoula," said Jared Kuehn, President of the Missoula Downtown Foundation Board of Directors.
This year’s Lighting of the Tree will not have any of the traditional Christian Life Center Choir performance, Boy Scouts’ Bonfire, or free cocoa and cookies.
All who visit Downtown for daily tree lighting are encouraged to follow appropriate COVID protocols, as outlined by state and county restrictions, and to enjoy dining and shopping in Downtown Missoula this holiday season. Downtown businesses will be open in the evenings, and parking is free after 5 pm.
In addition to the nightly tree lighting, Missoula residents and visitors can still participate in the Downtown Window Decorating Contest and the Missoula Festival of Trees.
Anyone can purchase raffle tickets for the opportunity to take home a decorated tree this holiday season and vote for their favorite Downtown windows.
For more information on the annual Lighting of the Tree, or on any other Downtown holiday activities, contact the Downtown Missoula Partnership office via phone (406-543-4238) or email infor@missouladowtown.com.
