Post Date: 12/04/2017 12:00 PM

For the first time in four years, citizens are invited to enjoy Caroling on the Square and the Christmas Tree-Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday, December 12

Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki and Acting Cultural Affairs Director Tina Betz announced today that a long-standing holiday tradition will return to Wilmington after a four year absence. Wilmington’s Caroling on the Square and the official lighting of the City’s Christmas Tree will take place on Tuesday, December 12 at 6:30 p.m., in historic Rodney Square at 10th and North Market Streets.

The Mayor and Cultural Affairs Director invite citizens to attend the revival of this popular family-oriented gathering where people of all ages can get into the holiday spirit while also helping those in need.

Mayor Michael Purzycki and members of City Council will light the City’s Christmas Tree, a 30-foot white fir supplied by New York-based Maple Hill Trees and decorated by the City’s Parks and Recreation Maintenance Division. Holiday songs will be led by the Wilmington Children’s Chorus, Delaware Choral Arts, and the Combined Choirs of Saints Andrew and Matthew. Well-known holiday characters will be on hand to greet participants and, in exchange for donated non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army, Kenny’s Shop Rite will provide snacks and hot chocolate. Delmarva Power (An Excelon Company) and the Kenny Family Foundation are proud sponsors of this event.

“This time of year is special to people of many faiths, cultures and communities,” said Mayor Purzycki. “We are pleased to be able to welcome our neighbors from around the city and across the region to take part in traditions that bring us together to have fun and promote peace.”

To encourage downtown holiday shopping, citizens are reminded that free downtown metered parking is in effect until January 2, 2018. From noon until 6:00 p.m. each weekday, the City will not require payment at parking meters in the Downtown Business District (defined as the area bounded by 2nd Street to 12th Street, and by French Street to Washington Street) and in the Riverfront Business District. A two-hour parking limit will remain in effect, however. Metered spaces remain free on weekends.

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Media Contact:

John Rago

Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Communications

Office of Mayor Michael S. Purzycki

Mobile: (302) 420-7928

Email: jrago@WilmingtonDE.gov