Afternoon of Festivities Planned for Tree Lighting
A few weeks ago, the state’s tallest Christmas tree rolled into town and crews have been shaping and decorating the 80-foot tall, 20-foot wide white fir at the Outlets at Anthem. As they’ve done for nearly two decades during the third weekend in November, area residents and thousands more from around the Valley are expected for the lighting of the tree.
In the past, it has kicked off with a concert of celebrity performers, including Taylor Swift, Phillip Phillips, and Michelle Branch, among others. No concert is planned this year.
The event, now called the tree-lighting festival, runs from noon–5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16 with face painting, photos with Santa, a petting zoo, meet-and-greets with Elsa, Anna and Olaf from Disney’s “Frozen” and the Grinch. There will be train rides, too.
The tree-lighting ceremony begins at 5 p.m., featuring a performance by Musical Theatre of Anthem, along with live drummers, sugarplum fairies and toy soldiers. Then at approximately 5:35 p.m., Javier Soto from 3TV and Santa will illuminate the tree adorned with more than 1.5 miles of LED lights and roughly 5,000 ornaments and bows.
New this year, an interactive light display set to music will take place outside the food court nightly at 5, 6 and 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 16
Outlets at Anthem
4250 W. Anthem Way
623-465-9500
www.outletsanthem.com
Free
