Kenora's Holiday Tradition Continues with Main Street Tree Lighting

The City is pleased to announce the Main Street Christmas Tree Lighting event will begin at 5:30 p.m. on November 22. This festive occasion on Main Street, hosted by Harbourtown BIZ, Tourism Kenora, and The Muse, welcomes everyone and their families to enjoy an evening filled with holiday joy and community spirit. There will be joyful music, delicious treats, cozy fire pits, and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

New for this year, the City's Economic Development and Tourism Department worked with WKNDRS to create holiday-themed 3D installations. Many residents and tourists enjoyed their 3D photobooth installations this past summer on the Harbourfront. Thanks to Municipal Accommodation Tax funding, the Main Street Christmas Tree will be surrounded by new props designed by WKNDRS.

The Main Street Christmas Tree is a beloved symbol of Kenora’s holiday spirit. This cherished tradition brings joy and warmth to our community, reminding us of the goodness of the season and the beauty of Kenora. We are proud to continue the tradition of having a real tree for this celebration.

Each year, when the City calls for tree donations, residents step forward with offers of trees that need to be removed — either because the trees have reached their lifecycle or may pose a threat if they were to fall. To select the perfect tree, the City assembles a team, creates a shortlist of those trees that meet specific criteria, and then coordinates with Synergy North and CJ Edwards & Son Limited to ensure the safe removal of the selected tree, which is done at no cost to the donor. It’s a wonderful collaboration between the tree donor, CJ Edwards & Son, Synergy North, and the City for the benefit of the community.

“We’re excited to invite the entire community to Main Street to kick off the holiday season! This event is more than just a gathering — it’s a chance for all of us to come together and share the joy of the season. We are thrilled to see the tree light up our downtown and start the holiday season with our friends and neighbours,” shares Josh Nelson, Tourism Development Officer. “Special thanks to our Tourism team and community partners for their dedication and hard work in planning a fantastic event to spread holiday cheer.”

Kenora has been putting up a Christmas tree on the corner of Second and Main since 1931. The tradition began when Joseph Derry, owner of Derry's Palace Theatre, decorated his theatre for the annual Rotary Charity Christmas Show. The lavish decorations drew crowds, inspiring Derry to extend the holiday cheer to the whole downtown. During the Great Depression, he enlisted local businesses to help create a festive atmosphere. This effort led to the first Main Street Christmas Tree, and for the next five years, Derry funded and oversaw the decoration of the tree. In 1936, the Town of Kenora took over the responsibility of maintaining the tree, solidifying the tradition that continues to this day. 

"The Main Street Tree has been a symbol of Kenora’s holiday spirit for decades. It’s moments like these that remind us of the strength and warmth of our community. We’re proud to continue the tradition and we invite everyone to come together to share in the magic of the holidays,” says Deputy Mayor Koch.

At 6 p.m. the tree donors will have the honour of 'flipping the switch', officially lighting the tree for the holiday season. Afterward, join us for continued festivities at the Lake of the Woods Museum Open House, where complimentary apple cider and cookies await you until 8 p.m. We are looking forward to celebrating this joyous occasion with you all!