Kercheval decorated with dreamy white lights, the sound of children giggling and the smell of hot chocolate in the air. The annual Christmas tree lighting had the same holiday spirit as it does every year.
On Friday, Nov. 17, the Grosse Pointe community gathered to see the lighting of the massive Christmas tree located in The Village. The event took place in the center of the village at 6 p.m., although festivities began at 5:30. Addie Waller ’24, had never been to the tree lighting prior, but after feeling the holiday spirit, Waller wants to make it an annual occurrence.
“As soon as we arrived at the tree lighting, you could just feel the sense of community and the holiday spirit in the air,” Waller said. “To see all the children running around on the blocked off street with light up bright red Rudolph noses covering half of their face was definitely my favorite part.”
The celebration of the beginning of the holiday season included music provided from the Grosse Pointe South choir, fire pits for children to make smores and picture opportunities with children’s favorite holiday classic movie characters. Unfortunately for many hopeful residents of Grosse Pointe, the reindeer that used to be at every tree lighting went into retirement and the city could not find another reindeer in time.
“All of the festivities really made it seem like Christmas and I can’t wait to pass by the lit tree more often,” Waller said. “I would have liked to see the reindeer though.”
