Troy celebrates holidays with tree lighting

TROY — Troy community members kicked off the holidays with their annual Christmas Tree Lighting event, which took place on Dec. 6 at the south entrance of City Hall on 500 W. Big Beaver Road.

The Christmas Tree Lighting event has been a part of Troy for many decades, though it hasn’t always utilized a real tree for the event.

“Troy has been holding a Tree Lighting Ceremony since I have been here (1998),” Troy Community Affairs Director Cindy Stewart said in an email. 

“But the ‘tree’ was not a real tree — it was a pole with lights coming down from the top to make it look like the shape of a tree on the grassy area south of City Hall.”

In 2006, a 20-foot-tall Colorado spruce tree was donated by Scott Sexton from Tom’s Landscape, and this tree continues to grow on Troy City Hall’s premises. 

“We’ve got this tree over here, our beautiful tree that’s been here about almost 20 years and it’s definitely served its purpose,” Troy Mayor Ethan Baker said. “We’re so excited to have it continue to grow. The Colorado spruce donated years ago by Scott at Tom’s Landscape. ... I’m sure it will be absolutely beautiful.”

During the tree lighting ceremony, the Troy High Colts Drumline, the Athens High Concert and Treble Choirs, and Baker performed for the audience before the tree officially lit up.

Also during this event, attendees could enjoy hot cocoa and Timbits from Tim Hortons Troy — sponsored by Troy Auto Care/Troy Auto & Truck Center — and visit with Santa under a tent on the north side of City Hall.

“Families always look forward to the annual Christmas Tree Lighting,” Baker said in a press release. “I hope that everyone will come out and enjoy the festivities.”

Additionally, guests could make their way over to the rink at Jeanne M Stine Community Park for ice skating.

The new skating rink and pavilion at the park, located at the southeast corner of Town Center Drive and Civic Center Drive, officially opened in June 2024. The rink’s size is 8,500 square feet, and it provides opportunities for roller skating and ice skating.

The rink’s ice skating season began on Dec. 6 and 7, with evening hours open for skating during community events like the Christmas Tree Lighting and the Polar Party. After these events, the rink’s normal operating hours were implemented on Dec. 8. 

“Starting on Sunday, it will be the regular hours,” Baker said. “Lots of ice skating opportunities here in the city of Troy over the next couple of months.”

The operation hours include:

• Monday-Thursday: 12-8 p.m.

• Friday: 12-9 p.m.

• Saturday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

• Sunday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

From Dec. 24 to 31, rink hours will be 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. It will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. 

Skaters may bring their own skates or rent ice skates on the property. Rental costs are $3 for residents and $5 for nonresidents, though children under the age of 3 are free. Adults and teens around the ages of 16 and up must show photo ID, and children ages 13-15 must show school ID if not accompanied by an adult. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, visit rec.troymi.gov.