THIS ARTICLE APPEARS IN THE RED ROCK NEWS

December 1, 2023

 

On December 1, beginning at 5:00 p.m. the Sedona Tree Lighting festivities begin at Tlaquepaque North. With touching performances by the young violinists of Sedona Charter School, and the sweet treats and hot chocolate provided by the Pump House Restaurant, the Grinch will be in attendance greeting the children in anticipation of Santa’s arrival.

The event is sponsored by Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, the city of Sedona and the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau.

Wendy Lippman, managing partner and general manager of Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village has hosted this celebration for more than eight years.  She noted, “The Sedona Tree Lighting event is a great example of community togetherness, and a town favorite, we are so thrilled to bring this event back, every year.”

This particular holiday festival brings back lots of memories of years past. I enjoy strolling through the beautiful grounds of Tlaquepaque under the brilliantly lit sycamore trees and getting into the holiday spirit.

Standing at Tlaquepaque North with 400 community members and counting down to the moment the 26-foot tree is lit, is such a magical experience. The glow of joy on everyone’s faces, including mine, is effervescent.

As I began to reminisce, I wondered about the ceremonial Christmas tree lighting. Where did the tradition begin and who started it?

In 17th century Germany, the origin of Christmas lights began with candles, which were the primary source of illumination for the ornaments on the tree. It was soon realized that it wasn’t the safest way to celebrate the holiday spirit.

In 1882, a momentous event took place in a townhouse on 36th Street in New York City, when Edward Hibberd Johnson created the first strand of electric holiday lights and installed them in his parlor window. The Christmas tree was lit with beautiful hand-wired strings of red, white and blue lights, and was powered by a generator that made the tree turn. Passers-by stopped to peer at the glowing marvel, which soon became a holiday tradition.

This milestone paved the way for the creation of the first string of Christmas lights which were made available for sale around 1890. The cost was out of reach for many — a string of 16 bulbs sold for $12 which today, is equivalent to $350.

It is interesting to note that Johnson created the Miracle on 36th Street prior to the original classic film, “Miracle on 34th Street,” which came out in 1947 starring Maureen O’Hara, John Payne and Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle. Of course, this was one of the greatest movies of all time!

Today, holiday celebrations include the most wonderful decorations, outdoor lights twinkling in the darkness, with a winter chill in the air, and the anticipation of Santa’s arrival is heartwarming. It’s wonderful to know that these traditions continue to evolve, year after year, creating new memories for all those who partake in the festivities.

Join us, tonight, Friday, December 1 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Tlaquepaque North for our traditional tree-lighting, refreshments, local holiday entertainment and a visit from Santa. I will be there along with our mayor, Scott Jablow, to say a few words of cheer and countdown to the tree lighting. There will be free face painting and glitter tattoos available for kids. At 5:45 pm Santa arrives as he is welcomed by the Boom Drummers in their toy soldier costumes.

Additionally, it is First Friday in the Galleries. Be sure to stop in our galleries, meet the artists, and shop for the perfect holiday gift of art.

As you are strolling around Tlaquepaque, you may catch me sipping on Pump House’s delicious hot chocolate, savoring a sweet treat and shopping for unique Christmas presents at the galleries and shops. Be sure to stop and say hi!

Hope to see you there!

–Michelle Conway Kostecki, President/CEO
Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau

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