Newport News Tree Lighting Ceremony Shines with Live Performances and Community Spirit

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The City of Newport News invites residents and visitors to celebrate the holiday season at the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. at City Center. This free, family-friendly celebration will feature an exciting evening of entertainment, headlined by a spectacular performance by multi-platinum artist Mario.

Guests will enjoy the return of Timber, the beloved 50-foot talking tree, along with live entertainment, Wacky Chadd, children’s crafts in the Kids Zone, carnival games, interactive art, holiday gift vendors, and much more. A variety of food truck vendors will be on-site.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m., with a full lineup of performances leading up to Mario taking the stage:

Stage Schedule

  • Tobias Cortez – 6:05 p.m.
  • Emily Wilton – 6:15 p.m.
  • Tree Lighting Ceremony – 6:30 p.m.
  • Maddie Poppe – 7:15 p.m.
  • DJ Eroc and Line Dancing – 7:45p.m.
  • Mario – 8 p.m.

Admission and parking are free. Pets are prohibited. Only certified service animals are allowed.

Free Parking Garages

  • Merchants Walk Garage – 11860 Merchants Walk
  • Fountain Way Garage – 100 Fountain Way
  • Ferguson Garage – 771 Town Center Dr.

A free shuttle service will also be available from Canon Headquarters, located at 12000 Canon Blvd., to the event. Shuttles will run from 5:30 to 10 p.m. A shuttle and site map is available at www.nnparksandrec.org.

Rideshare and vehicle drop-off will be located at the on-street parking along Lakefront Commons.

Guests are strongly encouraged to arrive early, carpool when possible, and allow plenty of time for parking and walking to the event. With thousands of attendees expected, Newport News asks all visitors to be patient and plan ahead to allow for a smooth, safe experience for everyone.

Newport News is offering fast, reliable text alerts to help keep attendees informed throughout the NLightN Tree Lighting. This free notification service provides timely information only if weather or safety conditions affect the event.

To sign up, attendees can text NLIGHTN to 888777. This keyword is used exclusively for the NLightN Tree Lighting. The service delivers only critical information and will not send general event reminders or promotional messages. By enrolling, attendees gain quick access to accurate updates, improving safety and awareness for themselves, their families, and the community during this high-attendance nighttime event.

The City of Newport News encourages families, neighbors, and visitors to gather for an evening of holiday cheer, live entertainment, and a memorable performance from Mario at this signature annual event.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony is one of many holiday offerings from Newport News this year. To view the full lineup, visit https://nnparksandrec.org/events/.