The Keizer tree lighting ceremony will begin at 6 p.m.
Two lucky children will be chosen to assist Santa Claus as he flips the switch that lights up Keizer’s Christmas tree on Tuesday, Dec. 7.
This is a free community event put on by the Keizer Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Keizer Fire District and City of Keizer.
The annual lighting ceremony is at Walery Plaza, named for Keizer resident Dave Walery, affectionately known as Mr. Christmas due to his volunteer work over many years maintaining and installing the decorations that line River Road during the holidays as well as his work with the permanent tree.
Walery Plaza is located where River Road and Cherry Avenue meet. If you’re driving along River Road and can’t find it, just look for the tall tree with the nearby large crowd.
Children 12 years and younger are selected for the honor by a drawing and sign-ups will start at 6 p.m. There is a sign-up table at the event; children simply need to put their name and age on the form.
Two names will be drawn and they will be asked to join Santa in flipping the switch that lights the Holiday Tree.
Santa is expected to arrive in Keizer around 6:15 p.m., hitching a ride to Walery Plaza in a fire truck courtesy of his friends at the Keizer Fire District. The actual flipping of the switch of the tree lights is expected to happen shortly after that.
The Whiteaker Middle School choir will provide the carol singing.
Parking will be available at the Keizer Elks Lodge.