The community is invited Sunday, November 23, 2025 for one of New Albany’s most cherished traditions, the Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration & Drone Show! This free, family-friendly event brings neighbors together to ring in the season with joy, laughter, and plenty of holiday cheer. The magic begins with Santa’s grand arrival at 3:00pm in Market Square!
Enjoy live entertainment on the big stage, meet real reindeer, watch an ice sculptor in action, and be dazzled by balloon twisters, face painters, glitter tattoos, caricature artists, and photo stations. Take a cozy horse-drawn carriage ride through Market Square before dusk. Get your picture with Santa, and don’t forget to drop your letters in the big red mailbox at the library for express delivery to the North Pole!
Guests can enjoy festive photo opportunities with roaming characters like the Grinch, Elsa, and her friends from the Frozen series. This year, we’re thrilled to welcome Brutus Buckeye and the OSU Cheer Team, courtesy of The Raines Group, bringing Buckeye spirit to the heart of the holiday fun.
Delicious bites and festive drinks are available for purchase from local restaurants and food trucks.
At approximately 5:40 PM, Mayor Spalding will lead the countdown to light the tree, then the night sky will come alive with a spectacular holiday-themed drone light show that’s sure to wow all ages.
ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE
3:00pm – 5:30pm
Get your selfie with Santa!
3:00pm – 4:00pm
Kid DJ Matt Ryan
4:15pm – 4:30pm
New Albany Middle School Theatre
4:30pm – 4:45pm
The Irwin Academy of Irish Dance
4:45pm 5:00pm
Broadway Bound Dance Centre
5:00pm – 5:15pm
New Albany Ballet Company
5:15pm – 5:30pm
Princesses Elsa and Anna from Frozen
5:30pm – 5:40pm
Tree Lighting with the Mayor
5:40pm
Holiday Drone Light Show!
Food Trucks
Cotton Sugar Co.
Fun’l Frenzy
Tortilla Street Food
Woolson Spice Company
Event occurs rain or shine
Please do not bring pets for the safety of your pet and the children and families attending.
