Tree Lighting Event Boosts Holiday Spirit in PSL

The holiday season officially began in Port St. Lucie Thursday evening with the lighting of the city’s holiday tree outside City Hall, a visit from Santa Claus and the beginning of the second annual holiday light show at the Community Center, thanks to an anonymous donor who provided $12,000 to ensure the community would get together this year for a holiday celebration.

It was the first year an artificial tree was used, but there was just as much holiday spirit as any other year, and the music and dance routines of the evening were as popular as ever.

Later, the synchronized light show provided additional excitement with flashing lights and electronic music. The light show will take place nightly from 7 to 8 p.m. through Jan. 2.

Other events will continue the fun throughout the season. On Saturday, Dec. 8, the annual Festival of Lights outdoor event starts at 11 a.m. and runs until 9 p.m. in Lyngate Park. Admission is free and there will be food, children's rides, crafts, music, vendors and more. The Festival of Lights parade will begin at 5:45 p.m. and will travel north on Veterans Memorial Parkway toward Lyngate Drive and the park. It will be followed immediately by fireworks.

Also offered by the Parks and Recreation Department is Santa's Calling for kids 2 to 8 years old. Parks employees will arrange for Santa to place a personal phone call to any child who is registered by Tuesday, Dec. 10. The calls will be made on Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 13 and 14, between 6 and 8 p.m.

The final holiday event is planned for Friday, Dec. 21, when kids from 2 to 5 years old and their parents are invited to have Pancakes with Santa from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Community Center. This event costs $6.95 per child.

For more information about any of the city’s official holiday events, call (772) 878-2277.

For more information, contact:
Tonya L. Taylor
Civic Center Administrator
City of Port St. Lucie
(772) 871-5092