Downtown d'Lights Kicks Off Earlier in Season
Annual tree lighting and activities in Perry Square
Friday, Nov. 20
It's still festive, family-friendly, and free – but Downtown d'Lights will be taking place earlier than usual this season. "Downtown will be ready to welcome shoppers and visitors right at the start of the holiday season," said Emily Fetcko, CEO of Erie Downtown Partnership. Her organization, along with steadfast sponsors, works to ensure the evening is successful and accessible. "Partnering with [presenting sponsor] UPMC Health Plan and UPMC Hamot over many years to grow Downtown d'Lights has allowed us to reach the community in new ways. They bring resources and energy to this beloved event that connects with our mission and the families who attend from surrounding neighborhoods."
Mulnah Dovat, marketing and member services coordinator for the Erie Downtown Partnership, makes it clear how much goes into pulling off an event like this. It's been taking place for many years, and even amid rising costs, more than a dozen sponsors stand firmly behind it, and it will still be offered at no cost to the public.
In addition, to further the reach, the Jolly Trolley from EMTA will offer shuttle service to and from east and west side neighborhood spots every 30 minutes. Get on at 803 East Ave. at the UPMC Health Plan Neighborhood Center or at 809 N. Park Ave. at Gridley Park to get into the spirit at Perry Square.
While the 40-foot lit tree in West Perry Square may be the showstopper, the lineup surrounding it is impressive. There will be hot cocoa, letters to Santa, crafts, free children's holiday books from Werner Books (while supplies last), and photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus on the Perry Square Stage (until 8:30 p.m.). Each of those offerings begins at 5 p.m. and is absolutely free. For a bit of added nostalgia, the ice skating rink will be open ($5, skates provided) along with holiday pop-up shops, including Erie Ale Works and Glass Growers Gallery.
Kiddos can just bring their letters to Saint Nick, but grown-ups may also want to "fill the bucket" and bring a toy for Toys for Tots to fill a piece of heavy equipment from Carmeuse and Erie Sand and Gravel or "Warm Up Erie" by donating hats, gloves, and coats to Erie United Methodist Alliance (EUMA) and the Seasonal Overflow Shelter.
Dovat shared some favorite stories from this event in the past, such as someone proposing during it, or a couple from Pittsburgh who loved it so much that they come up every year for their anniversary weekend. "It's important for families to come make these core memories in a place like this … also it's just gorgeous and I think it literally helps people see downtown in a new light."
5 p.m. // Perry Square, 601 State St. // Free // For full schedule, sponsors, and more: eriedowntown.com/events
