You know how Santa Claus can still find you after you move? Well, tree-lighting festivities will find the annual massive Christmas tree in downtown St. Paul, though the towering evergreen blanketed with blue lights has moved.
The tree’s usual home in Rice Park is still undergoing a revitalization, which is expected to be complete next spring. But there’s new sod and new walkways that aren’t ready for hoards in snowboots, so the tree is moving to Hamm Plaza on the other side of Landmark Center.
Though the centerpiece tree will be relocated, the trees around the edge of Rice Park will be lighted, along with 115 other trees in the downtown area. City officials have said “up-lighting” on the branches will enhance the effects.
The St. Paul Winter Carnival has previously announced that the ice carvings and other events it usually sets up in Rice Park will move to Kellogg Park, between the river and Kellogg Boulevard.
Saturday’s free tree-lighting and grand-opening ceremonies at WinterSkate in front of Landmark Center will take place from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Fireworks are planned for 6:45 p.m.
Wells Fargo WinterSkate will be open from Saturday through Feb. 3. Midway Men’s Club and Wells Fargo have made a new fleet of rental skates available this year. Information on hours, rates, rentals and more is at visitsaintpaul.com/winterskate.
The schedule on the Landmark Plaza Performance Stage (a new location outside Rice Park) includes hot cocoa from 3:30 to 7 p.m., photo ops with the Wells Fargo stagecoach and Jack the Dog all day, ice skating performances from 5:30 to 6 p.m.; St. Paul Police Band Drumline at 6 p.m.; and music from the St. Paul Hotel’s “It’s a Wonderful Life — Live Radio Play” performers.
For more information:651-292-3225 or visitsaintpaul.com.
Copyright 2018 Pioneer Press.
