Christmas is coming to downtown Prince George through a special event to be enjoyed by all ages.
The launch of the Christmas season on Nov. 27 will shut down the wheeled traffic on George Street from 2 to 5 p.m., said Annie Doran from Tourism Prince George.
"At 5 p.m. precisely Mayor Dan Rogers will push the magic button at Wilson Square to kick off the Northern Lights Festival, lighting up the courthouse tree, downtown stores and streets, and the drive-through circle of animated Northern Light displays atop Connaught Hill."
The Christmas fantasy land enjoyed for the past three years atop Connaught Hill is being extended to the downtown core for the second year.
The committee is seeking donations of artificial Christmas trees from the community to complement its tree theme this year. Donations can be dropped off at Tourism Prince George, 101-1300 First Ave. in the VIA Rail station. The trees will be used to decorate empty store fronts downtown with help from Future Cents and other community volunteers to brighten the downtown core with holiday cheer.
Events include:
**The launch celebration 2 to 5 p.m. Nov. 27 on George Street offers tractor sleigh rides, games like reindeer relay races and Santa bag toss; Christmas carolers, a visit by Santa himself, and hot chocolate and cookies at the nearby Fire Pit, 1120 Third Ave.:
**Santa's Mailbox and Santa himself will be at the Ramada Hotel Downtown Prince George for the four Saturdays prior to Christmas. Post letters after Nov. 27 to: Santa Claus, North Pole, HOH OHO.
** A senior's Tea Dec. 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. will be hosted by Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount, at the Royal Canadian Legion. A light snack, entertainment, and bus rides up the hill to see the lights will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
**The Citizen's Northern Lights feature publication Nov. 16 to celebrate the Northern Lights Festival on Connaught Hill will include a winter calendar of events.
Those visiting Northern Lights display will be greeted by the true spirit of Christmas by way of a large nativity scene, shimmering swan fountain and dancing poinsettias.
But there's also much animated action as green dinosaurs race from a red volcano, and gingerbread men and snowmen do their somersault and tumbling acts.
Along the way you'll find Santa's workshop with elves hammering away, wheels turning, displays of lollipops, candy canes, poinsettias, reindeer and trees and the flying school with a parachuting reindeer. Below will be a view of the city, while above, the first stars in the night sky will appear.
