The Christmas celebration will begin early in Paola this year. The annual mayor’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony will be held Friday evening. The highlight of the event will be the lighting of the mayor’s Christmas tree and the arrival of Santa Claus, who will sit in the Gazebo on Park Square and listen to all of the children map out their Christmas wish lists. Families can arrive as early as 5:30 to get a number to see Santa, and then, feel free to visit businesses around the Square and listen to holiday music.
The tree lighting ceremony will begin at 6 P.M. then Santa will arrive at the gazebo. There will be activities for the kids throughout the evening as the students from the developmental leadership class at Paola High School will set up activities for children at Town Square beginning at 5 and families are invited to enjoy the activities and warm up while waiting for their turn to see Santa. And kids, don’t forget to bring your letters for Santa because Santa’s official mailbox will be on the Square during the event. Letters should include a return address so Santa can respond. The Paola Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the tree lighting event each year, is also encouraging people to shop at local Paola businesses not only on Friday, but also Saturday. You have a chance to win some great prizes and support local businesses on Small Business Saturday.
