County Executive Samantha Kerkman and Kenosha County Parks will host the second annual
tree-lighting ceremony at Petrifying Springs Park on Saturday, Nov. 30.
The day’s festivities will begin at 11 a.m. when the Petrifying Springs Biergarten will open for
the day, offering German Glühwein, beer and hot cocoa. Hot food and beverages will also be
available from food trucks.
At 4:30 p.m., the Tree Lighting Ceremony will officially begin with free biodegradable ornament
decorating and a visit by live reindeer. At 5 p.m., Kerkman will lead the crowd in a countdown to
light the park’s Christmas tree.
Following the lighting, the local band Would You Kindly? will perform live music as Santa and
Mrs. Claus make their grand entrance.
In addition to the main tree lighting, visitors can explore trees decorated by various Kenosha
County departments as part of a festive tree decorating contest. The public is encouraged to vote
for their favorite decorated tree by scanning the QR codes located near each tree. The winner of
the tree decorating contest will be announced at 5:30 p.m.
From 5 to 7 p.m., families are invited to line up for free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. A
professional photographer will be on site to capture the moment, and each family will receive a
complimentary printed photo.
“I was pleased to begin this new Kenosha County tradition last year, and now it’s back for 2024
— even bigger and better,” Kerkman said. “I encourage people to join us for the ceremony, and
to come back to enjoy the tree throughout the holiday season.”
This event is free and open to the public and will be located in and around the Biergarten on the
south end of Petrifying Springs Park, near the Highway JR entrance.
For more information about Kenosha County Parks, visit http://parks.kenoshacounty.org, call
262-857-1869, or follow Kenosha County Parks on Facebook and Instagram.
