Tree Lighting Ceremony at Quaker Foods City Square Returns for a Second Year

This news release was originally posted on December 4, 2024.

Peterborough, ON - Quaker Foods City Square will once again come alive as a hub for festive fun and community togetherness with a tree lighting ceremony and market event planned for Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. This year’s event will be hosted in partnership by the City of Peterborough and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA).

“Quaker Foods City Square has become a winter downtown destination for locals and visitors alike where people can come together and enjoy getting active with a skate on the outdoor rink. The return of the tree and the illuminated ‘PTBO’ sign creates a perfect backdrop for festive fun, and I look forward to celebrating the season with the community,” says Mayor Jeff Leal.

Now in its second year, this event promises even more family-friendly fun with activities coordinated by the Peterborough DBIA and the City’s Recreation and Park Services Division. It is an installation rooted in the community with the tree generously donated by Cedar Rail Farm in Bridgenorth.

"The tree lighting ceremony at Quaker Foods City Square is a great way to bring our community together to celebrate the season during one of the most exciting times of year in Downtown Peterborough," shares Nour Mazloum, executive director of the Peterborough DBIA. "We're excited to partner with the City of Peterborough to host this event with skating, music and festive treats, while showcasing all that downtown Peterborough has to offer."

Tree lighting ceremony activities include:

• Official opening of the outdoor rink (weather dependent) with Learn to Skate programming from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Open Skate from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Live DJ playing upbeat and family-friendly music
• Giant board games from the Boardwalk Board Game Lounge
• Kids activities including colouring pages and photo opportunities with Peterborough Petes’ mascot Roger
• Merchandise and gift cards for sale from The Boro, as well as Petes’ merchandise from downtown retailer Rawscoe’s Sports Collectibles
• Downtown vendors with food and beverage items available for purchase including hot chocolate from The Vanilla Room, beverages from BOBO Tea, and treats from The Chill Desire
• Peterborough Regional Health Centre present promoting “The Sharing Tree” holiday fundraising campaign
• Free skate sharpening by Runner’s Life

The shining moment of the event will take place at 6 p.m. when Mayor Leal switches on this year’s festive lights.

The tree lighting event is also the kick-off to the outdoor skating season in the Square, with the refrigerated skating rink anticipated to be open through the winter months, depending on weather conditions. City staff are currently preparing the site and are monitoring conditions to make and maintain safe ice conditions. Updates and information on rink operations will be posted online at peterborough.ca/skating.

The downtown public square on Charlotte Street, just east of Aylmer Street, is conveniently located a block south of the Peterborough Transit Terminal. Parking is available on-street or at the King Street Parkade, which is adjacent to the square.

Visitors to downtown Peterborough can enjoy free two-hour holiday parking at all downtown municipal parking spaces, including on-street parking, municipal parking lots, the King Street Parking Garage and the Simcoe Parking Garage until December 31, 2024. The free two-hour holiday parking initiative is sponsored by Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers to encourage people to do their holiday shopping locally and to help raise money to support Kawartha Food Share.

Please note that this webpage has been updated to reflect the current confirmed list of vendors.