There’s something truly magical about the way my hometown of Midway, Utah, comes alive for the holidays. 

Midway is nestled in the Heber Valley, on the Wasatch Back and while it is delightful in all of the seasons, there is something extra charming about our little alpine-inspired town in the wintertime.  

Today, I want to tell you about the town’s tradition of the lighting of the Christmas tree on the town square. After Thanksgiving comes and goes, we start getting ready for Christmas! 

The Weekend After Thanksgiving

This year, the event took place on November 29th, but the tree lighting will always be the weekend after Thanksgiving. Families and friends bundle up, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and head to the square to join in this cozy celebration. 

Utah as a whole has a rich tradition with music, and Midway follows suit. The evening begins with the enchanting sound of traditional Swiss alphorns echoing through the crisp winter air. Midway claims a tie to their European roots, a nod to Midway’s rich Swiss heritage gives the night a touch of old-world charm.

Community

As the crowd gathers, candles are handed out at the booth. The idea is to light your candle from your neighbor and then to pass on the light. Soon, the entire square glows with soft, flickering light as neighbors share flames from one candle to the next. 

It is moments like this that remind me of the kind of simple actions that remind me what community truly means. It was a sweet feeling to stand shoulder to shoulder, singing carols, sharing warmth and waiting for Santa to arrive. 

The Tree Lighting, Santa, and Fireworks

Then, as the holiday spirit fills the air, Santa makes his grand entrance. There is magic in the air and then the countdown begins to light the tree. After the countdown, and the tree is lit, there is a fireworks show. Before we left the square we took a minute to stop by and say “hi” to Santa’s reindeer, because they were there as well.