Green Bay kicks off holiday season

GREEN BAY - With winter approaching, the usual Wednesday setup for On Broadway's farmers market has given way to holiday decorating.

“People like to come out and see the sparkling lights and the twinkling lights and the bright colors,” said Tara Gokey of On Broadway, Inc.

The holiday cheer is in preparation for the district's Lighting Ceremony on Friday.

There will be a gingerbread tour, Santa's workshop, make your own letter to Santa, all the stores have specials and hot cider,” said Gokey.

But days before that holiday fun, the city did an official kickoff to the season at the Brown County Courthouse with its annual peace tree lighting.

“It's a very busy week and it really starts tonight with the lighting of the peace tree,” said Jim Schmitt, Green Bay’s mayor.

Schmitt says the tradition of lighting a peace tree sends a message of what this time of year should be all about.

“It's a wonderful place to live and that's because our people really understand as a community we celebrate peace and celebrate the holidays,” said Schmitt.

The celebrating continues on Thursday with Gallery Night in the city's Olde Main Street district. A trolley will take people between ten art galleries in the area.

On Friday is On Broadway's Lighting Ceremony and Saturday is the city's holiday parade.

“We have a lot of programming to bring people downtown and we want to support the business down here,” said Schmitt.