2020 Christmas Tree Lighting
The 2020 Christmas Tree Lighting was celebrated as '12 Days of Christmas', and featured a combination of virtual and in-person, socially-distanced activities from Dec. 1 through the 12.
A reduced capacity of 575 guests were allowed in the Sugar Land Town Center Plaza to participate in the festivities. For 12 consecutive nights from Dec. 1 to Dec. 12, guests enjoyed a 15-minute holiday light show with snowflakes that accompanied the light show.
The light show was featured nightly on Facebook, while in-person n weekend activities were livestreamed on Facebook. virtual holiday events for the family were featured on the Parks and Recreation Facebook Page. Holiday activities included: Storytime with Mrs. Claus, Ornament Making and Creating Gingerbread Houses with Santa’s Elves; Christmas Carols by George Ranch High School Show Choir and Fort Bend Christian Academy; a showcase of local dance school performing choreographed routines to holiday favorites; and a Travis High School Orchestra performance in the Travis High School auditorium.
In-person weekend events commenced on Friday, Dec. 4, with the themed event Frosty Friday. Activities feature ice skaters from Sugar Land Ice and Sports Center and professional 'Disney on Ice' cast members. Also commanding the stage were professional ice carvers. Onlookers watched as blocks of ice weighing more than 300 pounds were skillfully carved into the shape of holiday masterpieces. The Department thanks Kelsey-Seybold for sponsoring the ice carving demonstrations as well as Renewal by Andersen, also a participating sponsor.
On Saturday, Dec. 4 a “Saturday with the Stars” holiday concert featured past winners of the Sugar Land Super Star and Sugar Land Jr. Super Star talent competition. Each contest rendered 10-minute holiday stage performances featuring Christmas classics from multiple genres to include country, jazz, gospel, pop and rhythm and blues.
On Sunday, Dec, 5: Santa’s Sunday Workshop featured 40 decorative tables, adorned with DIY craft activities for families. An ensemble of Christmas carolers in vintage attire strolled the venue and provided entertainment in the Plaza.
Observing the audience from the stage, Santa and Mrs. Claus joined the fun and greeted guests throughout the weekend. Among the lineup of entertainment were strolling jugglers, costumed mascots, and stilt walkers parading around the venue for photo opportunities. Vendors provided hot chocolate, opportunities to win trips, prizes and offered hands-on children's activities.
The second weekend (Dec. 12- Dec.13) of in-person events at the Plaza featured a Holiday Dance Showcase and a showing of holiday film favorite The Grinch.
