Mayor Kraham Announces Details of Annual Downtown Binghamton Tree Lighting

Holiday Event Returns on Small Business Saturday

(BINGHAMTON, N.Y.)—Mayor Jared M. Kraham on Monday announced the City of Binghamton will hold its annual holiday tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, November 29 at the Washington Street Mall in downtown Binghamton.

Mayor Kraham said: "Downtown Binghamton's tree lighting ceremony has become a beloved tradition in our community, where folks can come together and celebrate the start of the holiday season. Thanks to our sponsors, we're able to continue this celebration each year. This event is also a great opportunity for residents to kick off their holiday shopping and support our local shops and restaurants on Small Business Saturday."

The holiday tree lighting celebration will begin at 5pm with live music, holiday activities and free hot chocolate. This year's event will feature caroling from the Vavalle Voice Studio.

Mayor Kraham will join community members to light the tree in the Washington Street Mall, near the intersection of Court and Washington streets, at 5:30pm.

Parking will be free in City garages—part of a City initiative that is waiving fees in downtown garages on Saturdays from November 29 through December 20 to encourage visitors to shop and eat local this holiday season.

Several Binghamton businesses will be offering discounts and holding events in honor of Small Business Saturday.

Visitors are also invited to take part in the City's "Passport to Washington Street" promotion, available only on Saturday, November 29. To participate, shoppers who purchase merchandise at three of the six featured businesses listed below can get their passport stamped at each stop and enter for a chance to win a gift card. The featured businesses are:

• Garland Gallery
• Goldenrod Studios
• Mabel D. Orr
• Mamabear Brand Boutique
• Stellar Human
• Three of Cups Candles

For more information, visit the City of Binghamton Department of Economic Development's Facebook page.

This year's tree lighting is presented by title sponsor Greenlight Networks.

The tree was donated by Sunny Hill Farms in Endwell.