October 3, 2023
City Calls for Evergreen Trees for Annual Lighting
PROVIDENCE, RI– The City of Providence will host its annual Holiday Celebration on Friday, December 1 at the Providence Rink in Kennedy Plaza. In advance of this festive annual tradition, the City is searching for two spruce or fir trees: a 35-foot to 45-foot tree to grace the front steps at City Hall and a 15-foot to 20-foot tree for the Providence Rink for the Christmas Tree Lighting.
Residents can nominate their tree by sending an e-mail with a description and photo of the tree to Allison Barry, Cultural Affairs Manager of Art, Culture, Tourism, at abarry@providenceri.gov. The Forestry Division of the Parks Department will cut the winning tree down and haul it away free of charge. Stanley Tree Service will provide crane service for the trees, as they have in past years. Submissions must be received by Thursday, November 12.
The selected trees will be displayed on the steps of City Hall and at the Rink throughout the holiday season. The winning tree owner will be photographed with Mayor Brett P. Smiley in front of the tree during the lighting ceremony, which will be held on Friday, December 1 at 5:00 pm at the Providence Rink: Bank Newport City Center, 2 Kennedy Plaza, Providence. The ceremony will feature award-winning skating teams from around the state and other family friendly activities, refreshments and music.
The ceremony coincides with exciting holiday lighting and programming from City partners, including the Providence Warwick Convention Bureau and the Providence Tourism Council. The Providence Warwick Convention Bureau’s Three Nights of Lights will run from December 1 through December 3 and feature music, shopping and breathtaking visual displays from The Avenue Concept, FirstWorks, WaterFire and more in the heart of Downtown Providence. The Providence Tourism Council (PTC) will once again launch its Illuminate PVD program this holiday season. This year, the program will display 5-foot glowing snowflakes on more than 175 light poles through Downtown Providence with additional lighting, tree wraps, decor and video projection at the downtown gateways, Biltmore Park, District Park, Skating Center and more, highlighting the special character and beautiful architecture of the City of Providence. The PTC is also launching the Illuminate PVD Matching Grant Program to consumer and community-facing businesses and organizations throughout the City to help merchants and community organizations invest in lighting and decorations to make their storefronts special, unique, and festive through the holidays. More details and the application link can be found on their website.