PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. — The City of Prince Albert and Beau ‘Lac’ Funeral Home are set to welcome residents to the 3rd Annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting, an event organizers say has become a signature start to the holiday season for families across the region. The free public celebration will take place Wednesday, December 3, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Memorial Square outside City Hall, bringing together local partners, volunteers and businesses to help transform the downtown core into a festive gathering space.
The centrepiece of the evening will be the official tree lighting at 7:00 p.m., when the large evergreen beside City Hall will be illuminated for the season. Organizers expect the lighting moment to draw one of the event’s largest crowds, continuing a tradition that has grown steadily since its inception three years ago. Before and after the ceremony, holiday music will fill the square to set the tone for the night’s activities.
Beau ‘Lac’ Funeral Home, which is sponsoring the event in partnership with the City, said the celebration gives residents an opportunity to come together in a welcoming, family-friendly setting. Attendance has increased with each passing year, supported by a growing roster of community organizations that provide programming and logistical support. This year’s event continues that trend with expanded activities aimed at children, families and visitors.
Following the tree lighting, the Prince Albert Children’s Choir will lead caroling in Memorial Square. Their performance has become a familiar component of the annual gathering, offering a traditional soundtrack as families move between stations set up around City Hall.
Inside the foyer, children will have the chance to write letters to Santa and take part in free colouring activities. These indoor offerings provide a warm space for families during the evening, complementing the outdoor festivities.
A dedicated photo area will also be available as part of the Family Christmas Cheer Photo Op, hosted by the Optimist Club. Volunteers from All My Relations Creative Connections and Community Building Youth Futures (CBYF) will be on site to take photos for families, a feature that has become increasingly popular for those looking to capture a seasonal keepsake. The backdrop, decorated with winter-themed characters, adds to the celebratory atmosphere.
For those looking to experience the downtown from a different perspective, horse and wagon rides will be offered throughout the evening. Sponsored by the Prince Albert Downtown Business Improvement District (PADBID), the rides give families a chance to tour the area in a festive setting, contributing to increased foot traffic for nearby businesses during the holiday season.
Local organizations are also contributing food and refreshments to enhance the event experience. Lake Country Co-op is donating hot chocolate, while the Prince Albert Firefighters will host a fire pit for marshmallow roasting and s’more making. With food, music and activities spread across Memorial Square, organizers expect a steady flow of families throughout the evening.
The Christmas Tree Lighting has grown to serve not only as a launch to the holiday season but also as a showcase of local partnerships. This year’s event brings together Beau ‘Lac’ Funeral Home, Lake Country Co-op, Prince Albert Firefighters, PADBID, the Prince Albert Raiders, Northern Light Installs, All My Relations Creative Connections, Community Building Youth Futures and the Optimist Club. The collaboration underscores the importance of civic engagement and the role of local organizations in shaping public events.
City officials note that activating downtown public spaces during the winter season has become a priority, as community events help boost visits to local businesses and strengthen connections among residents. By pairing long-standing traditions—such as caroling and tree lighting—with modern family-focused activities, the City and its partners hope to continue growing turnout year over year.
As preparations continue, event organizers are encouraging families to arrive early and dress warmly to make the most of the evening. With activities running across multiple locations within Memorial Square and City Hall, the event is designed to appeal to a wide range of age groups while maintaining accessibility for all attendees.
The 3rd Annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting is expected to draw significant participation, continuing to anchor Prince Albert’s holiday programming and offering residents a seasonal celebration that blends community partnership, family engagement and festive tradition.
