Tree lighting ceremony set for Dec. 5

The annual lighting of the Gig Harbor tree will take place Dec.5 at Skansie Brothers Park.

The annual event will begin with holiday carols sung by The Dickens Carolers at 5 p.m. and includes a visit from Rhubarb, the Tacoma Rainiers mascot.

Knit hats and gloves will be handed out to the first 250 children courtesy of sponsor CHI Franciscan Health, and the Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance will provide coffee, hot chocolate, cider and cookies for free inside the Skansie Net Shed.

At 5:30 p.m., Santa will arrive via the Gig Harbor Fire Department ladder truck and, along with City of Gig Harbor Mayor Pro Tem Tim Payne, who will light the tree. This year’s holiday tree is donated once again by Joint Base Lewis McChord and will stand close to 45 feet tall.

The City of Gig Harbor Public Works Department will be transporting the tree to Gig Harbor on Wednesday (Nov. 18) and will be decorating the tree and the entire harbor in time for the Dec. 5 festivities.

Santa will be available at the park following the tree lighting to meet with each child regarding their holiday wishes. Details on this event and all holiday events and activities in Gig Harbor can be found by visiting www.gigharborguide.com, including special holiday packages.

This story was originally published November 17, 2015 at 1:53 PM with the headline "Tree lighting ceremony set for Dec. 5."