Join us in Historic Downtown Loveland for one of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions! The City of Loveland and the Loveland-Symmes Firefighters Association invite you to an evening filled with festive entertainment, family activities, and plenty of holiday magic. Downtown will be beautifully decorated for the season by the City’s Public Works Department and the Loveland-Symmes Firefighters Association. You’re invited for festivities and fun in Historic Downtown Loveland! Kick off the holiday season with the annual tree lighting. This is a FREE, family friendly event with holiday activities for all ages.

Mayor Kathy Bailey will flip the switch to light the city’s Christmas tree, a pine standing more than 60 feet tall along the Bike Trail. Approximately 2,500 lights and 250 ornaments will adorn the tree, which will remain lit through the holiday season.

Event Date and Time:

5th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Festival
December 6, 2025

Event Time: 4–8 p.m.
Tree Lighting & Drone Show: 8 p.m.

Gingerbread House Contest: Join us for the second annual City of Loveland Gingerbread House Contest! Show off your creativity and holiday spirit by building your best gingerbread creation. All entries will be on display during the Christmas Tree Lighting Festival on Saturday, Dec. 6. Register at this link.

Please note: Portions of West Loveland Avenue and surrounding streets will be closed during the event.

Event Highlights

Live Entertainment

• Live music by American Idol contestant Michael Williams (4–8 p.m.)
• Emcee: Randi Rico, WLWT Meteorologist
• Tree Lighting & Drone Show at 8 p.m.

Family Fun & Activities

• Live Reindeer at City Hall (4:30–6:30 p.m.)
• Visit Santa Claus at Browns Crossing (Santa House along the bike trail)
• Strolling Characters including elves, Buddy the Elf, Frosty, Yukon Cornelius, the Polar Express Conductor, and more
• Kid Train Rides on West Loveland Avenue (west of Railroad Ave.)
• Gingerbread House Contest at City Hall
• Photo Opportunities, including a walk-inside Snow Globe
• 2025 City of Loveland Christmas Ornament — Limited edition; 250 available
• Food Trucks on West Loveland Avenue: My Familia’s Mexican Cuisine, All About the Churros, Cincy Smash, Servatii’s Pretzels, Menks Coffee Truck, and Kona Ice (near Hops & Berry)
• Craft Vendors along the bike trail next to Fleet Feet

Community Giveback

• Loveland-Symmes Fire Department Fill the Medic: Donate new toys and clothing for local families.

Local Business Activities

Explore festive experiences and special programming from Downtown Loveland businesses:

• Alley Boutique – Holiday Scavenger Hunt
• Better Blends – Crafts & Games
• Cappy’s Taproom & Bottle Shop – Ugly Sweater Party (5–11 p.m.) and live music by Vintage Vibes (7:30–10:30 p.m.)
• Crown & Cape Boutique (111 Railroad Avenue, above Hometown Café) – Meet & greet with princesses and superheroes; coloring crafts
• Edward Jones – Ian Roewer – Christmas Movie Classics at City Hall (Council Chambers)
• Fleet Feet – 5K event (details coming soon)
• Hops & Berry – “Frosty Lane” photo ops, inflatables, snowball fight, and snow cones
• Montgomery Cyclery – Visit Mrs. Claus, write letters to Santa, and enjoy holiday crafts
• Trailside Provisions – Tasty treats, crafts, and decoration-making for Loveland Health Care
• Whistle Stop Clay Works – Ornament painting from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Cost: $28 for three ornaments; 119 Harrison Ave.)