“Fairhope’s beloved Lighting of the Trees tradition started over 30 years ago with Mrs. Fugard of Stowe’s Jewelers stringing up lights in a few trees downtown by her store. Since then it has grown enormously with over 150 trees for which we add every year. The trees are much larger and fuller too, so it really becomes more impressive over time. We started giving the honor of turning on the tree lights to veterans which has really been the icing on the cake!” – Mayor Karin Wolff Wilson
The City of Fairhope inaugurates each holiday season with our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony every November, prior to Thanksgiving. The brilliance of a fully illuminated Downtown Fairhope is introduced to a captive audience of thousands, who initiate the on-switch for hundreds of lights with a festive audible countdown, led by our mayor. You see, this is not the lighting of a single grand tree but rather entire treelined streets of abundantly adorned branches of white lightbulbs performing in unison to provide a majestic visual experience of the spirit of Christmas.
“As beautiful as Fairhope already is, the lighting of the trees transforms our lovely town into a magical place! It marks the start of the holiday season every year as friends and families have the tradition of coming together as a community to celebrate – which is what makes our town so special. So many heartwarming memories are made with the music, snowfall and holiday spirit. It’s a spectacular, sparkling night!” – R Bistro & Pastry
“The tree lighting ceremony is a great Christmas tradition unique to Fairhope. The lighting of the trees brings together families and friends to celebrate the official start of the holiday season and transforms Fairhope into a magical Christmas town.” –Thyme on Section
In addition to the amazing spectacle of thousands of lights hung in over 100 trees, there’s performances from the Eastern Shore Choral Society, the Dogwood Trail Court, and our local middle and high school bands. Don’t be surprised to see a high-ranking official from the North Pole or two, as well. The ceremony is capped with a light blizzard of bubbles flaking down from above Fairhope Avenue. Tiny hands stretch to the sky, from the shoulders of giants, to feel an imaginary winter wonderland come to life in Coastal Alabama.
“Watching the children’s eyes when trees lite up and their squeals of their little voices of excitement when snow falls, there are just no words for how blessed life is in our little town. God is good!” – Fairhoper, Alice Akins Hearnsberger
