City of Warner Robins begins the holiday cheer with its annual Tree Lighting ceremony

WARNER ROBINS – The city of Warner Robins will be hosting its annual Tree Lighting ceremony on Perkins Field on Thursday, Dec. 5 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The tree lighting ceremony is a beloved city tradition. The entertainment lineup features live performances from local groups, including Peacocks Dance, Academy of Dance, the Shirley Hills Elementary School Chorus, Perdue Elementary School Chorus, Northside Elementary School Chorus and Sacred Heart Church Chorus.

Fairytale and Friends characters will also be at the event greeting children and there will be kid zone activities like balloon twisting and face painting. Kids will also be able to get on a trackless train ride around Perkins Field and a surprise snowfall. 

Santa Claus will also make a stop from the North Pole to celebrate with the International City. The event will also include food trucks and drink vendors serving warm drinks, like hot chocolate, and treats. 

Mayor LaRhonda Patrick said the tree lighting started well before she was the city’s mayor. She believes the ceremony makes the city unique.

“To me, Warner Robins is a big city with a small city heart, which is a great thing. Having community events is something that really brings the community out, so you can start to see that big heart,” she said.

Patrick believes people should attend the event because it is the premier event for the city that kicks off the Christmas spirit. 

“You got to have something to celebrate the occasion, to celebrate the season and this is the event that you have to be at. You don’t get to see many times in this day and age a place where you can have that small town Christmas festival experience in the city the size of ours. It is something that everyone should take in at least once,” she said.

Patrick also shared they are the only city to have a walkthrough Christmas tree. She believes the event will offer many great things that are more than just walking by and seeing a lighted display.

“People will go and see different lights put up in different places for a lighted display, but we have things you can actually interact with and take pictures of that will be memories to share for years. This is the one you want to go to,” she said.

Patrick said it is a great occasion and hopes everyone comes out to experience it this year. 

“Merry Christmas to everyone, happy holidays and let’s make this Christmas season as memorable as the ones we remember when we were kids,” she said.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held Thursday, Nov. 5 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Perkins Field, located at 105 Mulberry Street.