Holiday season starts Dec. 7 in downtown Westfield

Submitted by City of Westfield

Westfield in Lights, presented by the Downtown Westfield Association, returns to Grand Junction Plaza, 225 S. Union St., from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. The event features outdoor activities, carnival games with winter themes, food vendors, retail merchants, and live entertainment.

“Westfield in Lights is one of our premier community events,” Mayor Scott Willis said. “I may be biased as I love the holidays, but seeing so many families make this an annual tradition is incredible.”

A complete list of events is below.

Westfield in Lights

Many activities will take place at Grand Junction Plaza, including free winter-themed games, food vendors, retail merchants, live llamas, and visits from Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.

The event culminates with the traditional Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration beginning at 5:50 p.m. on the main stage. Mayor Willis and special guests will officially light the tree at 6 p.m., which signifies the kickoff to the holiday season in Westfield.

Something Splendid

Mrs. Claus will be at Something Splendid, 217 Mill St., during Westfield in Lights. Stop by for a picture and cookies while supplies last. No reservations are required.

Ice Ribbon at Grand Junction Plaza

The Ice Ribbon at Grand Junction Plaza will have two skate sessions during Westfield in Lights. Sessions are 45 minutes during Westfield in Lights and will begin at 3, 4:15, and 5:30 p.m.

Reservations are required; it is $10 for ages 10 and under and $12 for ages 11 and above. Skate rental is included in the ticket cost. Reserve your tickets at theiceatgrandjunction.com.

Free shuttle & parking

Due to the popularity of Westfield in Lights, a free shuttle service will operate during the event. The Holiday Shuttle will pick up and drop off attendees at Christ United Methodist Church, 318 N. Union St., Westfield Intermediate School, 17710 Shamrock Blvd., and Grand Junction Plaza, 225 S. Union St., from 3 to 7 p.m.

Public parking for the event is also available in the parking lot at the southwest corner of Poplar and Park streets. Mill Street will be closed between Park and Jersey streets beginning at noon.

Letters to Santa

A Letters to Santa mailbox will be available with direct service to the North Pole at Grand Junction Plaza, 225 S. Union St., from Nov. 29 to Dec. 15. Mailboxes are also located outside Westfield City Services, 2728 E. 171st St., Westfield Fire Department Headquarters/Station 81, 16901 Ditch Road, and the Westfield Washington Public Library, 17400 Westfield Blvd.

Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope so Santa can reply promptly.