City Place will present their annual tree lighting celebration, which culminates in a countdown to illuminate the shimmering - and floating - 35-foot Christmas landmark rising from City Place Park’s main pond.

The evening also marks the unveiling of City Place’s signature Giant Gingerbread Village, where a gumdrop, lollipop and candy-cane-lined path, guarded by two giant gingerbread men, leads to a raised clearing featuring cookie trees, a 16-foot-high gingerbread house, and 12-foot windmill.

City Place will also showcase a number of holiday-themed pop-up art pieces designed by Houston-based artist, Anat Ronen. The larger-than-life installations will offer a whimsical take on traditional holiday decor with a gingerbread family and 3-D festive mural wall, snowmen, Christmas card, candy canes, ornaments, and the popular Elf on the Shelf.

Santa will make an appearance at the festivities, which also include a variety of family-friendly activations such as face painters, balloon twisters, a letters to Santa station, and a kid's ornament craft area sponsored by Harmony Schools. To add to the holiday magic, a play area with real snow will be featured in the Upper Plaza, along with a hot chocolate bar and a DJ who will help spread holiday cheer with festive remixes.