OWA's 4th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Enjoy a snowy Tree Lighting ceremony with Christmas music playing through the streets of Downtown. Once the tree is lit, guests will be able to watch a beautiful Christmas themed firework show and experience snow falling! All this will be broadcast throughout Downtown onto giant screens to better accommodate social distancing for our guests.
 
You don’t have to be an elf to like Christmas a lot. We’ve created an evening of events that entices everyone, down to the tiniest of tots! Scroll down for a full schedule of socially-distanced events and entertainment during OWA’s 4^th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 21.
Arrive early to enjoy a full day of fun! The Park will open at noon. We’ve added seasonal treats like fried apples prepared fresh for you at the Veranda. Enjoy lunch at one of the many Downtown OWA restaurants, and sweeten the night with a cuppa The Spice & Tea Exchange’s famous hot chocolate!
Schedule of activities throughout the ceremony:
Live music from A Charlie Brown Christmas
6-6:30PM • Streamed live from the Island Stage
Stroll through Downtown OWA’s Southern streetscapes while listening to live entertainment featuring classical jazz tunes from A Charlie Brown Christmas with a children’s choir and Snoopy and Woodstock characters.
Special performance from Legends In Concert
6:30-6:40PM • Streamed live from the OWA Theater
Gather ‘round for a special tribute to country greats with classic seasonal performances from Legends In Concert’s newest lineup at OWA, A Merry Country Christmas.
Santa reads ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
6:40-6:50PM • Streamed live at the Island Stage
It’s Santa! We know him. We love him. Now it’s time to hear him tell his tale. Feel the hush of anticipation as holiday magic lights up the night and Santa reads “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” to a captivated audience.
The Countdown Begins
6:50-7PM • Broadcast live from the Island Stage
Find the perfect spot for your family around the lake at one of our many viewing areas stationed overlooking the OWA Island. With a circular path over a mile long that winds around the fountain and two the large screens in Downtown, there will be plenty of room for everyone to spread out and enjoy the great outdoors together! Help us countdown to 7pm and light the tree using only the magic of Christmas! The Island will open at 7:15PM for guests to enjoy the lighted Christmas tree up close and snap that perfect photo as it swirls in patterns of bright color!

Christmas Themed Fireworks
7-7:10PM • Skies over Downtown OWA and The Park
Watch and listen as a Christmas-themed fireworks show lights up the night skies above Downtown OWA, the OWA fountain, and The Park at OWA.
Snow
7-7:30PM • Skies over Downtown OWA
Friendly snow makes the Christmas magic feel 10x as big. Just like last year, the skies will be filled with a flurry of snowflakes, making it feel like the happiest of merry holidays are on their way. Seek out the snow falling after the tree is lit, and be sure to share your perfect Christmas moment by tagging us in your photos and video on social media!
Sting Trio Performance
7-7:30PM • Live and Live Streamed from the Fountain Stage
A String trio performance will play jazzy Christmas music to close the ceremony. This performance will also be live streamed to the 2 large screens in Downtown OWA.
Santa & Mrs. Claus Photo Op
7:15PM Until • Island Stage
Santa and Mrs. Claus will make another appearance for a socially-distanced photo op from the Island Stage. Santa must visit a lot of kids this year, and some of them need our help staying safe during the pandemic; he will stick around for photos, but they may look a little different this year. 
*Times subject to change without notice.