As the holiday season approaches, cities and villages begin preparing for one of the most anticipated community traditions of the year: the annual tree lighting. For event planners, the goal is more than simply flipping the switch on the tree. They want to create an experience that brings families together, keeps guests entertained, and gives the community something to look forward to.
One of the biggest questions event planners ask is: “Don’t make the tree lighting the only activity of the evening.”
The answer is creating a celebration with more than just the tree lighting. Whether you’re planning a village tree lighting, city tree lighting, downtown holiday celebration, community Christmas event, or winter festival, we have attractions that bring the magic of the season to life. Use attractions to engage guests before the tree lighting, pause activities during the ceremony, and give families a reason to stay afterward. Creating entertainment throughout the evening can help turn a short ceremony into a complete community holiday experience.
With decades of experience providing entertainment for corporations, universities, communities, and organizations, we can help you create a holiday celebration that fits your event, audience, and community.
The Short Answer
Here is a quick breakdown:
Best for Holiday Cheer: Santa Costume Character, Christmas Tree Bounce House
Best for Holiday Memories: Snowflake Ornament Custom Photo Magic, Snow Globe Custom Photo Magic
Best for Winter Fun & Comfort: 16-Foot Gingerbread Slide, Portable Propane Heater
How to Build the Perfect Tree Lighting Event
Before selecting attractions, ask:
- How many community members are expected?
- What age groups will be attending?
- Will guests be outside for most of the event?
- Do you want activities before and after the tree lighting?
- How can you create memorable experiences for families?
Pro Tip: Use attractions to engage guests before the tree lighting, pause activities during the ceremony, and give families a reason to stay afterward. Creating entertainment throughout the evening can help turn a short ceremony into a complete community holiday experience.
Best Attractions for Holiday Cheer
Create the festive atmosphere guests expect from a community tree lighting with attractions that bring the holiday spirit to life.
Top Options:
Why planners choose these:
- Creates an instant holiday atmosphere
- Keeps younger guests entertained before and after the ceremony
- Adds festive energy throughout the event
Best for: Village tree lighting ceremonies, city tree lighting events, Christmas celebrations, community festivals, downtown holiday events, family celebrations, and winter gatherings.
These attractions are also a great fit for Santa meet-and-greets, Christmas open houses, holiday family nights, seasonal community programs, Christmas markets, neighborhood celebrations, and festive winter gatherings.
Best Attractions for Holiday Memories
Give families a way to capture the magic of the evening and take home a personalized reminder of the celebration.
Top Options:
Snowflake Ornament Custom Photo Magic
Why planners choose these:
- Creates personalized holiday memories
- Gives families unique photo opportunities
- Encourages guests to interact with the event
- Creates keepsakes they can enjoy beyond the celebration
Best for: Tree lighting events, holiday celebrations, family events, Christmas markets, community gatherings, corporate family events, and winter festivals.
Perfect for family Christmas photos, holiday picture experiences, winter photo activations, personalized ornament events, Christmas keepsake activities, and seasonal photo experiences.
Best Attractions for Winter Fun & Comfort
Keep guests entertained while creating a comfortable environment during your outdoor celebration.
Top Options:
Why planners choose these:
- Adds active entertainment for children and families
- Gives guests something to enjoy before and after the tree lighting
- Helps make outdoor events more comfortable during cold weather
- Creates a festive and welcoming environment
Best for: Outdoor tree lighting ceremonies, winter festivals, Christmas celebrations, community events, holiday markets, and family-friendly seasonal gatherings.
These additions are also ideal for outdoor Christmas events, winter carnivals, holiday family days, downtown celebrations, cold-weather community events, and seasonal outdoor gatherings.
Plan Ahead for Your Tree Lighting Event
Tree lighting ceremonies are often annual community traditions, which means planning early can help you secure the attractions and entertainment you want for your event.
Start planning for your tree lighting ceremony, Santa arrival, holiday photo experiences, Christmas community celebrations, winter festivals, holiday markets, and other seasonal events.
Popular holiday dates can fill quickly, so reserving your attractions early gives you more flexibility when creating your event lineup.
Space & Setup
Outdoor tree lighting events require a little extra planning to keep guests comfortable and attractions running smoothly.
Plan for:
- A flat, level surface for inflatables and attractions
- Power access for attractions (generators available if needed)
- Extra space for safe entry, exit, and guest flow
- Designated areas for Santa and photo experiences
- Enough room around inflatables for safe operation
- Comfortable areas where guests can warm up and take a break
Keep Guests Cozy: Since tree lighting ceremonies are typically held outdoors during colder months, adding a portable propane heater can help create a warmer, more comfortable environment for guests and staff
Safety First
At Record-A-Hit, safety is built into every event we deliver. Our SIOTO-certified team ensures each attraction is professionally set up and operated with care, so your community can focus on enjoying the celebration.
- SIOTO-certified
- Trained staff
- Professional setup and teardown procedures
- Proper spacing around attractions
- High-quality safety equipment
- Dedicated Crew Chiefs overseeing operation and guest safety
Ready to Plan Your Tree Lighting Event?
Whether you’re planning a village tree lighting, city tree lighting, downtown holiday celebration, or community Christmas event, we’ll help you create an experience that brings families and neighbors together.
We’ll help you build the perfect entertainment package based on:
- Your attendance
- Your space
- Your audience
- Your event goals
Click here to get a quote for your event date!
Click here to view our Winter & Holiday Attractions!
