City tree lighting to be held Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.
By Sherry Lucas
The Clinton Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, at 6 p.m. Monday, December 2, in front of City Hall, marks the holiday season start in earnest, turning a sixteen- to eighteen-foot Christmas tree into a twinkling beacon of cheer.
This year’s late Thanksgiving pushes the festivities to the top of a week crammed with Christmas fun, but what better way to kick the holiday spirit into gear?
Clinton residents are encouraged to experience their own moment straight out of a Hallmark holiday movie, as folks count down to that magical light-up moment and someone special flips the switch. Handling the honors for Christmas 2024 is Lilly Grace Crawshaw. The mural she created on the side of the Indian Lanes Bowling Alley for her Eagle Scout service project captures town spirit in a colorful way, along with a QR code that entices viewers to engage, explore and celebrate Clinton’s local economy.
Lovett Elementary’s Arise Singers, under the direction of Charles Bridges, will again entertain the crowd with Christmas songs. Clinton Mayor Phil Fisher will be on hand with welcoming remarks, and Director of Communications and Tourism Marlee Price will also speak and lead the countdown.
“For the community, it kind of signifies the actual beginning of the holiday season,” Price said. “It represents the community coming together.” And, while nearly every household lights up their own Christmas trees at home, “having a centralized location in the middle of the city where people can come join together and sing helps everyone experience the holiday season together.” She says the ceremony in the heart of downtown Clinton strengthens community bonds with festive cheer.
This is the second year Lovett Elementary’s Arise Singers, the school district’s youngest choir, will be part of the festivities.
“It’s an opportunity to put themselves out there in public,” choir director Bridges said. “We’re very excited.”
The sixth graders are hard at work, preparing solos and movements to share the Christmas spirit. “Still Still Still” and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” are among the songs they’ll sing.
Bridges hopes to make it a tradition for the young singers.
“The kids enjoy the festivities on the street, and they really enjoy performing outside. They got to meet Santa Claus — all of that was great!”
The decorated tree will continue to light up nightly at dusk throughout the season, adding a charming glow to the brick streets of downtown. Eight-foot-tall nutcrackers will lend another colorful touch to the display.
