Nov. 14, 2023

Candy Land Christmas: City welcomes holiday cheer with tree lighting ceremony

Join Johnson City officials as they kick-off Candy Land Christmas with a Grand Lighting Ceremony. Festivities are scheduled to begin on Saturday, Nov. 25 at 6:30 p.m. in King Commons Park, 112 N. Commerce St.

Musical entertainment featuring seventh and eighth grade students from the Indian Trail Middle School Chorus will start the ceremony. Following the musical entertainment, City Commissioners joined by attendees will countdown to the lighting of more than 160 Candy Land Christmas trees and the community tree. With the flip of a switch, King Commons Park will become Cupcake Commons and Founders Park will transform into Gumdrop Forest.

“This event is a community favorite and mine too,” said says Special Events Manager Lindsey Jones. “Two of Downtown Johnson City’s parks transform into an enchanting holiday scene drawing visitors from all over the country. Weekly attendance is estimated in the thousands capturing repeat visitors from across the region and beyond.”

The Grand Lighting Ceremony for Candy Land Christmas falls on Small Business Saturday.

“Visitors who attend the tree lighting are encouraged to dine at a downtown restaurant and support small businesses with early gift buying,” said Jones.

Candy Land Christmas trees are decorated by area businesses, residents, and non-profit organizations. Everyone who takes in Candy Land is encouraged to vote for their favorite tree. This year, the City has a website to make voting more convenient. Visit https://rb.gy/9iy4ry for details. Voting begins Nov. 25 and will end on Dec. 8. The first place winner this year will win a free tree for the 2024 Candy Land Christmas.

Trees will be on display until Jan. 7.

Candy Land Christmas is made possible through community support and Bank of Tennessee and TownView Senior Living.

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