Highland City will host a free holiday celebration at the Town Center Splash Pad on Monday, Nov. 23, according to a November 7 report. The event will include appearances by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, live reindeer, and a tree lighting ceremony.
The scheduled celebration will run from 6 to 8 p.m. at 5400 W. Civic Center Drive, located next to City Hall. Santa is scheduled to arrive at 6 p.m., followed by the tree lighting.
Performances will be provided by the Highland Bell Ringers and the Highland Children's Choir. Additionally, the Highland City Library will host holiday crafts. Attendees can expect complimentary hot cocoa donated by Meiers Meats & Fine Foods and freshly baked donuts donated by Macey's in Highland, the city said.
The City Council has favored a hybrid approach for this year's festivities. While the main gathering will remain at the Town Center, lights will also be displayed at Heritage Park.
On Oct. 6, the council gave verbal support to a $10,000 budget request to begin purchasing lights and decorations for Heritage Park and at least one entry road, according to an Oct. 6 council brief. This item was recorded as a communication rather than a formal vote.
The annual celebration has grown since Highland's Christmas light display began in 2020. Live reindeer and a Santa visit were added to the festivities in 2024, and the event moved to the Town Center last year. Highland City has not yet announced if the walk-through splash pad light display will return this season.
