Your Family Can Light Birmingham Tree: Here's How

This could be your family in Birmingham, which is seeking a local family to help light the city’s holiday tree. (Photo courtesy of the city of Birmingham)

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The city of Birmingham has launched its annual Santa Contest to give one local family the privilege of helping Santa light the city’s holiday tree on Wednesday, Nov. 25, in Shain Park.

The Birmingham Tree Lighting celebration starts at 6 p.m.

The winning family will enjoy hot cocoa and cookies with Santa at The Townsend Hotel in downtown Birmingham, followed by a horse-drawn carriage ride to the Holiday Tree Lighting event.

Once there, the family will help Santa, Birmingham’s mMayor and other dignitaries with the official tree lighting ceremony. Topping off the evening, the family will be presented with a special gift.

Families may submit their entry online here; all entries must be submitted by Sunday, Nov. 15. The contest rules are found here. For more information, call (248) 530-1200.

The event launches the holiday season at the Birmingham Principal Shopping District, established in 1992 and comprised of nearly 300 retailers, including clothing shops, restaurants, salons and spas, and antique shops. The district is also home to offices and a variety of businesses from financial services to technology-based firms.

Located among some of the nation’s most affluent suburbs, downtown Birmingham is a center for business, social, cultural, and community activities for Birmingham residents and neighboring communities.