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In a press release from the city, Suffolk Parks and Recreation announced its kicking off the holiday season with the annual Grand Illumination Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, at 6 p.m. at Market Park, located at 326 North Main Street, in downtown Suffolk.

The outdoor tree-lighting event will ring in the holidays for the community when the switch is flipped to illuminate the 32-foot tree.

This will be a family-friendly event that offers festive seasonal music, including a performance by the Oakland Elementary School Choir, as well as complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides, according to the release. Children’s activities also include holiday-themed crafts, puppet shows in the heated tent, and a visit from Santa Claus – who will make his grand entrance shortly after the lighting of the tree.

Parking is available at the Suffolk Visitor Center, 524 North Main Street. Shuttle service will run from the Godwin Courts Building parking lot, 150 North Main Street, and the First Baptist Church parking lot, 237 North Main Street, beginning at 5:45 p.m.

For more information, contact (757) 514-7267 or sslate@suffolkva.us.