It's not quite the holiday season in Baltimore County until the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
The traditional event, which will be held at Olympian Park in the downtown Towson shopping district, starts at 6 p.m. on Dec. 1, according to a news release from the Towson Chamber of Commerce. The family celebration—hosted by the chamber, Baltimore County Council and County Executive Kevin Kamenetz— will include free hot chocolate and cookies and holiday musical performances. The Perry Hall Middle School eighth grade choir, Chapel Hill Music Sensations and the Anna Apicella School of Dance are among the featured acts.
The actual tree lighting is scheduled for approximately 6:30 p.m., the release states. Afterwards, Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in style on a fire engine. Parents can bring their own cameras and take pictures of their children with Santa at his workshop, located 1 E. Joppa Road.
Donations will also be collected for the Baltimore County Holiday Toy Drive.
Rededicating it to military veterans lets it achieve its aspirational goal and serves as a unifier for past generations of Towson residents.