Tree Lighting Ceremony
The season of Holiday Homecoming kicks off on November 24th 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, marshmallow roasting, a vintage holiday marketplace, caroling and much more.
While the event is free, registration is requested, and tickets for a special pre-glow wine tasting event 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.
PRE-GLOW RECEPTION
Tickets
Adults: $45 | Children: $20
Just added! Treat your child to an early Christmas present with our newly available children’s tickets for the pre-glow reception at the tree lighting. The children’s ticket includes appetizers and hot chocolate. Tickets are $20 for those 21 and under.
The pre-glow reception will feature an opportunity for War Memorial supporters to enjoy an exclusive experience during the tree lighting event.
Hosted in The War Memorial Ballroom, attendees will receive their choice of three wine samples from Grand Traverse Winery or holiday cocktails served alongside holiday hors d’oeuvres from the War Memorial Culinary Team.
Before the tree lighting ceremony begins, a War Memorial representative will escort pre-glow attendees to a reserved viewing area.
VINTAGE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Step inside the historic Alger House and shop our unique pop-up shops, presented by All the Things, featuring a charming array of both vintage gifts and holiday themed merchandise.
Located in the Alger House Reception Room, Dining Room & Palm Room from 4-7pm.
FAMILY FUN CRAFTS IN THE LIBRARY
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 Alger House Library 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 Alger House Library.
ROAST MARSHMALLOWS OR GRAB A CUP OF HOT COCOA
Warm up roasting marshmallows outside, or sampling the War Memorial’s signature Hot Chocolate, both for sale at our outdoor warming area. Spiked hot cocoa options available for adults!