Sandy basks in holiday cheer during 2025 Christmas Tree Lighting

There is an eternal debate that rages during the holidays when do you put up the Christmas decorations? For many they wait until after Thanksgiving, clambering up the ladder to string lights with a belly full of turkey. Well in Sandy they don’t like to wait that long. How can they with a holiday festival schedule bursting at the seams they need every day possible to make room for all that fun. Friday evening, Nov. 21, the city of Sandy officially lit its Christmas Tree in Centennial Plaza, at the corner of Hoffman Avenue and the Mount Hood Highway. That marks the start of the 2025 Winterfest, which brings lots of activities and holiday fun to town. “Welcome to the Winterfest kickoff,” said Mayor Kathleen Walker. “We have a packed calendar of events this year.” “Mayor-y Christmas,” she added if that didn’t land blame her husband aka joke writer. During the tree lighting there were booths by sponsoring organizations; free cocoa, cookies, and popcorn; photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as the Grinch; arts and crafts; and caroling by the Sandy High School choir. Next door to the plaza the Sandy Historical Society showcased its decorated museum and had fun games for kids. All over town there were holiday decorations, crowned by the incredible display in Meinig Park. “Thank you to all the businesses helping our community shine during Winterfest,” Mayor Walker said. “As we gather to celebrate we are grateful to all in our community who support their neighbors and local businesses.” 2025 Sandy Winterfest With the lighting of the Christmas tree, the 2025 Sandy Winterfest has officially begun. The annual festival stuffs the calendar with fun outings for the whole family. Upcoming events include a meet-and-greet with the Grinch, stocking stroll, “shortest day” scavenger hunt, and more. One of the neatest places to visit is Meinig Park, 17670 Meinig Avenue. It not only serves as the meeting place for many of the scheduled activities, but is completely transformed into a winter wonderland. Right now there are thousands of twinkling lights, holiday music, and creative scenes to explore. There is Santa Claus, reindeer, snowmen and candy canes, penguins and elves, and so much more to discover. Many folks ventured over to the park following the tree lighting, with some help from the Sandy Police Department, which temporarily blocked traffic Friday evening to allow everyone to stay safe. The decorations and lights in Meinig Park will be there through Jan. 4.
https://sandypost.com/2025/11/21/sandy-basks-holiday-cheer-during-2025-christmas-tree-lighting/