What to Know

  • 10th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
  • Union Station
  • Thursday, Nov. 20
  • 6 to 8 p.m.
  • Free
  • Carolers, live music, milk and cookies, and seasonal activities are touchstones of the popular festivity
  • Hosted by Metro Arts Presents

Tick tock, tick tock: You could accurately and confidently say that the concept of time is an enduring theme swirling in and around Union Station.

We’re not stretching here, really, by suggesting that minutes, hours, and even seconds matter at the famous train landmark; those rails need to run smoothly, and keeping an eye on the clock is a huge part of the hiccup-free experience.

So when it comes to getting a jump on the holiday season, well, time really matters.

The Alameda Street landmark knows that December can go by in a busy blur for most of us, which means that a November start is, well, nice.

That nice spirit will shine forth Nov. 20 when the 10th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony takes panache-filled place in the building’s epic Ticket Concourse.

Yes, we said epic. Stand within the cinematic space and bask in its utterly epic aura, and you, too, will be breaking out the over-the-top terms without apology.

As for what’s happening at the two-hour ceremony, which is very much about stoking some ho, ho, get-up-and-go?

Caroling, seasonal activities, and The Beverly Belles on stage are a few of the happy highlights.

Also in the happy column? Milk and cookies will be served, which also deserve the “epic” label, because eating cookies at a tree lighting feels semi-magical.

Santa will also be there, oh yes he will be.

Totally honesty here: We don’t know the train Mr. Kringle takes from the North Pole, or the multiple transfers he has to make along the lengthy route, but we’re just pleased he can put in a heartfelt appearance during a period when we know, for sure, he is probably overextended.

Even if you miss the flip of the switch Nov. 20, stay cheered and stay chuffed: Union Station gloriously glitters throughout the holidays, lending light and cheer to all who pass through on their way to somewhere else.

Of course, you can also simply visit the structure to bask in its beauty during the sparkly season, should you wish to behold a soaring-ceiling’d fantasia boasting both Spanish Colonial and Art Deco oomph to spare, with some Mission spicing up the incredible mix.