Coon Rapids to Light Up the Season with Annual Tree Lighting Festival

COON RAPIDS, Minn. — As winter approaches, the City of Coon Rapids is preparing for one of its most cherished holiday traditions: the annual Coon Rapids Tree Lighting Festival. This year’s celebration will take place Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. at Boulevard Plaza, 11002 Crooked Lake Blvd.

A collaboration between the city and the Coon Rapids Community Strength Foundation (CRCSF), the festival combines festive celebration with community giving, drawing families, neighbors, and visitors together for an afternoon of holiday cheer.

Holiday Fun for All Ages

Boulevard Plaza will transform into a winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, take photos with Santa, and participate in ornament-making and letter-writing stations. Live music will provide a festive soundtrack, while fire pits offer warmth throughout the plaza. Weather permitting, children can enjoy snow hills for sledding and outdoor play.

A Dazzling Finale

The highlight of the evening is the ceremonial tree lighting at 5:30 p.m., followed immediately by a fireworks display, illuminating the night sky and capping off the community celebration. Organizers encourage attendees to arrive early to enjoy the full lineup of activities and secure a good vantage point for the lighting and fireworks.

Community Giving at the Heart of the Festival

The Tree Lighting Festival also serves as a critical philanthropic event. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or monetary donations, benefiting the Coon Rapids High School Food Shelf and the Cardinal Compassion Fund. These programs provide essential support to students and families facing food or financial insecurity, ensuring children can focus on their education without the stress of unmet basic needs.

“This festival truly embodies the spirit of the season,” said a city representative. “It’s a chance for our community to come together not only for celebration but also to directly support students who need our help right here in Coon Rapids. The support for the food shelf and the Cardinal Compassion Fund is a tradition as important as the tree lighting itself.”

What to Know Before You Go

Because the festival is outdoors, visitors should dress warmly. The event will proceed rain, snow, or shine, with the exception of snow hill activities, which require adequate snowfall. Donations can be made on-site throughout the festival.

The Coon Rapids Tree Lighting Festival continues to be a highlight of the city’s holiday season, offering residents a chance to celebrate, connect, and give back to their community.

MinneapoliMedia