Holiday season begins in downtown Beaumont

Despite Hallmark Channel hosting holiday movies before Memorial Day and department stores shelving Christmas items in July, the true season begins Wednesday, Dec. 4, with the City of Beaumont’s seventh annual Tree Ceremony at the Downtown Event Centre Lake (700 Crockett St.) at 5 p.m.

“We are thrilled to kick off the holiday season as a community in Downtown Beaumont,” said Emily Wheeler, director of event services. “The tree lighting event is always such a special evening for families to celebrate with their neighbors and friends. We are looking forward to sharing the new drone show with the community and can’t wait to see the sky illuminated behind the beautiful Christmas tree.”

The largest Christmas tree lighting in all of Beaumont will be taken to new heights this year with a mesmerizing drone show. Two hundred drones, synchronized in a ballet of lights, will illuminate the night sky, creating a spectacle that complements the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree.

Produced by Sky Wonder Pyrotechnics, Aaron Hoot and his team’s mission is to redefine the art of spectacle through cutting-edge drone displays. “We aim to elevate ordinary events into extraordinary memories, creating a world where the sky is no longer the limit,” stated Hoot. “Join us in our mission to transform moments into unforgettable milestones, where every display is a testament to the limitless possibilities of human imagination and technological prowess.”

Don’t miss this magical blend of tradition and innovation in this magical holiday celebration. The Hype Party Band from nearby Lake Charles, Louisiana, will entertain on the mainstage and deliver a high-energy performance along with an unforgettable night of live music and holiday cheer.  

This annual event brings a diverse array of food trucks including Mr. Sims Catering, The Dude’s Foods, Sweet Basil Vietnamese Noodle House, Broke Boyz, La Real Michoacana, Taquizas el yiyo, Donut NV, Bread Bus and Oz Café.

Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit as well as meet holiday characters for unforgettable photo opportunities. Enjoy the outdoor movie screening featuring the holiday favorites – “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland” and “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure.”

The sequel to “Frosty the Snowman,” “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland” follows Frosty, who has been gone to the North Pole. When he hears about the first snowfall of the season, he decides to return. The children are overjoyed when Frosty comes back to play with them, but then Jack Frost sees the fun that the children are having with Frosty and becomes jealous of him.

“Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” is an animated Christmas-themed special featuring characters from Walt Disney Pictures’ “Frozen.” Olaf is on a mission to harness the best holiday traditions for Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff.

The festival also offers snow sledding near the playground, a thrilling activity for all ages. These combined events offer a fantastic opportunity for residents to unite and celebrate, strengthening the community spirit. 

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to picnic during the movies. Admission to the event is free and open to the public. Festivities conclude at 7:30 p.m. 

Free parking is available throughout downtown. Accessible parking “first come, first serve” at the Lakeside Center located at 150 Magnolia along with surrounding lots at the Downtown Event Centre.  

“The City of Beaumont extends its gratitude to these sponsors for their continued commitment to the community: ExxonMobil for their generous support as the event’s Photo Booth sponsor along with Giglio Distributing and Westgate Church as a partner sponsor,” said Wheeler. 

“The city plans for these community events all year and several city departments come together to create magic for those in attendance,” she said. “We are honored to work with such dedicated and supportive professionals.”