Provo’s Lights-On celebration at Pioneer Park.
One of Provo’s Lights-On celebrations for Christmas.
Courtesy of Provo city
Provo’s Lights-On celebration at Pioneer Park.
It’s officially November, and that means the Christmas decorations are going up ahead of the holiday season.
In Provo, the celebration is taking a step back in time this year and bringing an old-fashioned Christmas to the downtown area.
“One of my favorite memories growing up was seeing Provo Center Street transform and lit up into a Christmas wonderland,” said Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi. “The Christmas spirit is alive and well in Provo as we see so many coming together to recreate this magical experience for the next generation.”
In past decades ,Victorian carolers, hot chestnuts and an abundance of decorations turned Provo into a winter wonderland.
Thanks to Quinn Peterson, executive director of Downtown Provo Inc., some of that old magic will be returning in 2022.
Courtesy of Provo city
One of Provo’s Lights-On celebrations for Christmas.
“This year we are hoping to turn downtown into a winter wonderland,” Peterson told local business owners. “NuSkin is doing some big installs, the city is expanding the lights in the park and our job is Center Street.”
Businesses in the downtown area have been invited to join in the traditional Christmas window competition. The competition has previously included having the indoor window scenes decorated with candy.
“The city is partnering with Downtown Provo Inc. and will be decorating the windows of the empty storefronts,” said Nicole Martin, city spokesperson.
There will be two business winners this year, with each one receiving cash prizes, gift baskets, newspaper advertisements and more, according to Peterson. There will be one change to the downtown decor this year, though.
“We have permission to include a Christmas tree in front of shops with your decorations,” Peterson announced.
Retailers are encouraged to decorate the trees in a way that would show off their name or product. Peterson invited businesses to be creative and do them done soon. Voting on storefronts will begin on Dec. 3.
“Provo City becomes a quaint Christmas village with vendors, live music and refreshments,” said Scott Henderson, director of Parks and Recreation. “The culmination is Santa’s time-honored visit to combine his magic dust with Provo’s Christmas spirit to light up downtown.”
Dec 3 will also feature the Christmas Market, from 4-8 p.m., with the 5:30 p.m. Lights-On Ceremony at Pioneer Park, 500 W. Center Street.
The public is invited to enjoy the windows, Christmas trees, lights and music as a free and historic Christmas returns to Provo.
According to Martin, special projections will also be thrown from the east side of Pioneer Park onto the new city building, as part of the new lighting in the park.
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