New Community Tree To Be Unveiled at Christmas in the Park

New Community Tree To Be Unveiled at Christmas in the Park

Marion will shine brighter this holiday season when the new community Peace Tree is lit during Christmas in the Park and Peppermint Walk on Friday, December 2 from 4 – 8 p.m. in City Square Park. Attendees will marvel at the 30-foot LED panel tree during a special tree-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m.

Participants of Marion Leadership in Action have raised funds to support the Winter Lights community beautification project. The purchase of Marion’s new tree was made possible by the Marion Chamber Foundation and donations from the business community, residents, Marion City Council, and attendees of the Holiday Movies and Oktoberfest events.

Marion’s original Peace Tree was a real tree that was gifted to the City in the 1990s during the Gulf War. It was planted to symbolize a bright wish for a more peaceful world.

Christmas in the Park & Peppermint Walk, which is celebrating 30 years, will welcome the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus at 4 p.m., escorted by the Marion Fire Department and Police Department. Visits with Santa will immediately follow. Children are encouraged to bring their letter to place in Santa’s Mailbox.

In addition, attendees will enjoy popcorn and hot cocoa, while supplies last. Sing along to carols with the Heart of Marion Community Choir and School of Rock students throughout the night. Don’t miss special appearances from Prima the Alpaca as well as the Snow Sister and Miss Madrigal.

Donations of new hats, mittens, blankets, or socks will be accepted for the Keep Your Neighbors Warm campaign. Items can be dropped off at the caboose the night of the event or delivered to the Marion Chamber of Commerce office, 1070 7th Avenue, from Nov. 28 through Dec. 9.

In addition to the activities happening in the Park, Uptown Marion Main Street will host the Peppermint Walk, a holiday shopping event. The Peppermint Walk will feature a variety of Uptown Marion businesses decked out for the holidays.

Due to the event activity in the Uptown Marion area, drivers are reminded to use caution and yield to pedestrians.

Christmas in the Park and the Peppermint Walk is presented by the Marion Chamber of Commerce and Uptown Marion Main Street. This is a free community event thanks to Marion Chamber Platinum Community Partners – Farmers State Bank, ImOn Communications, MercyCare Community Physicians, Summit Pointe Senior Living, and Z102.9 with support from the Marion Hotel/Motel Grant program.

See the schedule below for full details or visit marioncc.org/christmas2022

2022 Schedule of Events
All activities are FREE thanks to our event sponsors
Arrival of Santa Claus | 4 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at City Square Park along 6th Avenue

Visit Santa | 4-8 p.m. See Santa in his house and deliver your letter to the magical mailbox. Visits with Santa will be limited to walk-through only.

Peace Tree Lighting | 6 p.m. Marion’s NEW community Peace Tree will be unveiled in a special tree lighting ceremony. Marvel at the 30-foot LED panel tree and help thank all who contributed to the Winter Lights program.

Prima the Alpaca | 5-7 p.m. Come see Prima fancied up for the holidays and take a selfie.

Adorable Princess Visit | 5:30-7:30 p.m. Visit with the Snow Sister and Miss Madrigal in person and pose for a photo.

Heart of Marion Community Choir | 5:30 p.m. Join the Heart of Marion Community Choir for a sing-along near the Depot.

School of Rock Performance | 6:30 p.m. Join students from the School of Rock in Marion for a special holiday performance in the park.

Winter Storytime | 4-7 p.m. Visit the NEW Marion Public Library to warm up and stay for Winter Storytime happening at the top of each hour from 4-7 p.m. The library will remain open until 8 p.m.

Family Fun Activities | 4-8 p.m. Enjoy traditional event activities including holiday music, popcorn from El Kahir Shrine, and hot cocoa while supplies last. Kids – don’t miss this opportunity to climb aboard the caboose as it’s transformed into the Peppermint Express! Bring a new, warm-weather item to place inside to help Keep Your Neighbors Warm. Look for festive photo ops throughout the event for the perfect picture!

Peppermint Walk | 4-8 p.m. Visit participating Uptown Marion merchants, restaurants, and businesses during this special holiday open house. Stores will be decked with holiday lights, decorations, and music making this a great complement to the park activities. Present a receipt from a purchase made during the event at any Uptown Marion business and be registered to win a $50 Uptown Dollars certificate valid at participating Uptown businesses. Receipts can be presented at the Marion Chamber & Uptown Marion office, 1070 7th Avenue.