Tree Lighting Ceremony
The season of Holiday Homecoming kicks off on November 23rd with our Tree Lighting Ceremony, reminiscent of community celebrations long past.
The 20-foot decorated tree will be prominently placed in front of our fountain, evoking a sense of Holiday magic for any age! Your festive evening includes hot chocolate, ice sculpture, vintage holiday marketplace, children’s storytime, caroling and much more.
While the event is free, registration is required, and tickets for a special VIP visit with Santa for supporters are available. Doors open for all activities at 4pm, Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place at 5:30pm.
PARKING
Parking is available in our onsite lot, with overflow parking available on the street. Please note that, as with large events of this nature, parking will be limited. We encourage allowing extra time to park and to consider carpooling or walking to the venue as you are able.
MINGLE WITH KRINGLE RECEPTION
New this year! Treat your child to an early Christmas present with tickets for the family to our Mingle with Kringle Reception at the tree lighting. Tickets include a strolling Mac & Cheese buffet with plenty of add-ons and other festive apps from 4-5:30pm.
Once the tree lighting ceremony concludes, ticketholders will be welcomed back to the ballroom for cookies, hot cocoa, and visits with Santa. Space is limited, so make a plan to purchase your tickets today. This will be the only opportunity to personally visit with Santa.
This reception is an opportunity for War Memorial supporters to enjoy an exclusive experience during the tree lighting event and will be the only way to ensure a visit with Santa due to time constraints. Thank you for your support.
Tickets
Adults: $45 | Children: $35
GINGERBREAD COMPETITION VOTING
The houses are built and voting is now open! You can vote here in our online poll, or while attending the Tree Lighting Ceremony, visit the Patriot Gallery, located on the 1st floor of the Alger Center, and vote for your favorite! The winning team will be announced during the ceremony at 5:30pm.
VINTAGE HOLIDAY MARKET
Step inside the historic Alger House and shop our unique pop-up shops, presented by Center Coast Vintage, featuring a charming array of both vintage gifts and holiday themed merchandise.
Located in the Alger House Reception Room, Library, Dining Room & Palm Room from 4-7pm.
FAMILY FUN CRAFTS IN THE ART GALLERY
Join the Grosse Pointe Artists Association and Instructor Nobuko Yamasaki and create your own paper crane to take home and decorate your tree.
Located in the GPAA Art Gallery from 4-7pm.
STORYTIME WITH PRINCESS BELLE
Join Princess Belle, appearing courtesy Part of Your World Princess Party Company, for engaging holiday stories and pictures.
Storytime with Belle will take place at 4:15pm, 4:45pm, 5:00pm and 6:15pm in the GPAA Art Gallery.
HOLIDAY CAROLERS
Presented by Northern Trust
They’re back! The Velvet Carolers return to fill the night with the joyful sounds of the season. Dressed in classic holiday attire, they’ll be spreading cheer with traditional carols throughout the night.
GRAB A CUP OF HOT COCOA
Warm up sampling the War Memorial’s signature Hot Chocolate, with spiked hot cocoa options available for adults! The War Memorial Hospitality team will have a festive menu ready for purchase. Warm up with a cup of soup, bavarian sourdough pretzel, hot dogs and more.
The War Memorial Bar and Food Stand is location in the Alger Center.
LIVE ICE SCULPTING & PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
From 4-4:30pm watch Ice Creations put the finishing touches on an Ice Sculpture in front of the Alger House, and take a fun family photo in front afterwards!
MERRY MEMORIES
Visit the Patriot Gallery (located on the 1st floor on the Alger Center) to enjoy an array of student art in our Merry Memories Contest, organized by Wayne County Community College, and the Grosse Pointe Artists Association.
“Merry Memories” is an art and essay contest inviting students in grades 1–5 from Harper Woods and Grosse Pointe Public Schools to share how they celebrate the holiday season. Participants may submit a piece of artwork along with a short essay (200 words or less) highlighting their traditions, whether rooted in religion, ethnicity, or culture. Selected winners will be recognized in the Grosse Pointe News and take part in this year’s Tree Lighting Ceremony.”