Anoka Prepares for 35th Annual Tree Lighting, A Hallmark of Holiday Giving

Anoka, Minnesota  - The city of Anoka, already celebrated as the "Halloween Capital of the World," is set to transform its historic downtown into a classic winter wonderland this weekend, hosting its 35th Annual Tree Lighting Celebration on Saturday, December 6, 2025. This cherished event, centered at the Anoka City Hall River Plaza (2015 First Avenue), is a cornerstone of the community's seasonal calendar, offering family-focused festivities and a powerful call to holiday philanthropy.

The celebration, which runs from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., aims to evoke the spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas, a tradition that consistently draws thousands of attendees to the banks of the Rum River.

Festivities and Holiday Cheer

The day is packed with activities designed for all ages, with the grand illumination serving as the evening's emotional crescendo.

• Visits with the North Pole’s Finest: Families can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus in the dedicated Santa Shack throughout the afternoon.
• Classic Holiday Music: The air will be filled with seasonal sounds, including the 7th Avenue Carolers performing at the intersection of 2nd and Jackson from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
• Winter Transport and Wildlife: Guests can take a scenic horse-drawn trolley ride (operating 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.) and visit with live animals, including reindeer, llamas, and a petting zoo.
• Warmth and Treats: Attendees can gather around bonfires to warm up, with s'mores kits sold by the Toys for Joy organization. A variety of food trucks and vendors will be on hand to offer additional holiday indulgences.

The evening's centerpiece, the tree lighting countdown, is scheduled to begin at 5:55 p.m., culminating in the dazzling illumination of the city’s official Christmas tree. Fireworks have added to the magical excitement in previous years.

Artisan Market and Community Philanthropy

The celebration extends beyond the plaza, encouraging visitors to support local businesses and critical community services.

Downtown Shopping and Artisan Delights

The Artisan Delights Winter Market will operate concurrently at The Mill Site - Events on the River (111 Harrison Street), a beautiful, historic venue. The market will be open all weekend—Friday, December 5, and Saturday, December 6, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.—featuring a curated selection of unique, handcrafted goods from local artisans, perfect for holiday gift shopping.

Attendees are also encouraged to shop local and explore the downtown Anoka area before or after the plaza festivities.

Focus on Giving Back

The Anoka Tree Lighting is deeply rooted in a tradition of giving, with two major campaigns focused on helping those in need in the local community:

• Toys for Joy: This organization will be collecting new, unwrapped gifts for children. Drop-off is available at their plaza booth, where they will also be selling s'mores to fund their efforts.
• Anoka Women of Today: Volunteers will be collecting non-perishable food items and monetary donations for the ACBC Food Shelf. The Food Shelf, which serves the broader Anoka County community, has recently seen record-breaking demand for its services, which include food, clothing, and household items. The Anoka Women of Today will also be selling hot chocolate as a fundraiser.

Anoka, a city with a population of approximately 17,900, is situated at the confluence of the Rum and Mississippi Rivers and prides itself on its strong community engagement and preservation of its rich history.

For event updates and more information, the public can visit the city's website at anokaminnesota.com or call 763-576-2700.

MinneapoliMedia