Christmas Tree Lighting

Minoa's brightly lit Christmas tree with colorful lights, set against a dark night sky, surrounded by snow and a few people.

Anticipation, excitement, and pure enjoyment filled the air.

Minoa’s Christmas Tree Lighting on December 6, 2025 brought a full day of local holiday cheer: the Cookie Train, festive music, a balloon magician, and opportunities to shop local right here in the village. The evening was wrapped in warmth, with cocoa, cookies, and brownies at Fire Station 1, graciously hosted by the ladies of the Order of the Eastern Star 144.

As dusk settled, the entire crowd turned toward the hill south of the village. In the distance, the glow of emergency lights began to shimmer, followed by the unmistakable sound of sirens. One by one, all of Minoa’s safety vehicles rolled into view, leading to the moment everyone had been waiting for — the arrival of Santa Claus. Children leaned forward, wide-eyed, as the Old Elf himself stepped off the fire truck and joined Mayor Bill Brazill at the Village Christmas Tree.

A young boy in a festive sweater interacts with Santa Claus, who is seated and dressed in a traditional red suit.

Before the lighting, the mayor spoke briefly about the meaning behind the celebration. He invited invocations to honor the birth of Christ — the cornerstone of the Christmas season — and to reflect on the deeper purpose of gathering as a community. This ceremony has been a long-standing Minoa tradition, cherished across generations.

With the tree illuminated and spirits lifted, families funneled into the fire station, where children had their chance to visit with Santa and share their hopes for toys and treats. It was a simple, joyful moment — one that brought neighbors together, reminded us of the faith at the heart of Christmas, and sent everyone home feeling good.

A magician in a green sequined jacket performs balloon twisting for kids, while a woman watches and holds a coat.
A cheerful woman in festive attire serves hot drinks at a community gathering, with children and adults enjoying the event.
A community event with people enjoying cookies, chatting, and participating in activities, set in a spacious indoor area.
An old-fashioned popcorn machine with popcorn being prepared, and a person in a plaid shirt is operating it.
A group of people gathers outdoors, chatting and wearing winter clothing, with festive lights illuminating the background.
A crowd gathers at night, illuminated by emergency vehicle lights, with festive decorations visible in the background.
A figure in a Santa suit is seen interacting with a crowd, illuminated by red lights, creating a festive atmosphere.
A festive scene with people gathered around a lit Christmas tree, including someone dressed as Santa Claus.
A baby in festive attire meets Santa Claus, who is holding a candy cane, with a parent nearby. A festive atmosphere is captured.
Santa interacts with two children, one in a festive sweater and another in a green coat, amidst a holiday gathering.
A crowded indoor event with families and children, likely festive, featuring a boy at a table and people in winter attire.
A child in a festive sweater holds a teddy bear while interacting with Santa, surrounded by other children in a festive setting.
A magician in a green sequined jacket performs balloon twisting for kids, while a woman watches and holds a coat.
A cheerful woman in festive attire serves hot drinks at a community gathering, with children and adults enjoying the event.
A community event with people enjoying cookies, chatting, and participating in activities, set in a spacious indoor area.
An old-fashioned popcorn machine with popcorn being prepared, and a person in a plaid shirt is operating it.
A group of people gathers outdoors, chatting and wearing winter clothing, with festive lights illuminating the background.
A crowd gathers at night, illuminated by emergency vehicle lights, with festive decorations visible in the background.
A figure in a Santa suit is seen interacting with a crowd, illuminated by red lights, creating a festive atmosphere.
A festive scene with people gathered around a lit Christmas tree, including someone dressed as Santa Claus.
A baby in festive attire meets Santa Claus, who is holding a candy cane, with a parent nearby. A festive atmosphere is captured.
Santa interacts with two children, one in a festive sweater and another in a green coat, amidst a holiday gathering.
A crowded indoor event with families and children, likely festive, featuring a boy at a table and people in winter attire.
A child in a festive sweater holds a teddy bear while interacting with Santa, surrounded by other children in a festive setting.