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Rice Park - The Show Goes On In Saint Paul
Ask any Saint Paul-area resident during your search for Saint Paul homes for sale about holiday traditions, and the Christmas lights at Rice Park will surely top his or her list. With a holiday tree as bright – and tall – as NYC's Rockefeller Center tree, it's easy to see why!
Each year, Downtown Saint Paul's Rice Park is transformed into a glittering holiday wonderland, starting with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony that boasts thousands of blue lights. But with Rice Park undergoing a $2.42 million construction project that includes new walkways, grass, and landscaping, many residents wondered if the annual festivities would go on as planned.
Construction Changes
Despite concerns that area residents wouldn't be able to enjoy the holiday light display this year, the Visit St. Paul Foundation, in conjunction with the event producer, found a way for the show to go on. The Rice Park Powered by Xcel Energy Tree Lighting Ceremony was held as planned Nov. 18 – with a few modifications.
New sod in Rice Park meant heavy trucks couldn't be driven to place the lights on any interior trees. The solution? Lights were strung on the street side of the park's trees, lining the perimeter for a similar effect. Additional lighting on inside branches also helped showcase the traditional twinkle lights that usually encircle each tree.
Christmas Tree Magic
But what about the holiday tradition's centerpiece, the Rice Park Christmas tree? This year, Saint Paul residents visited near-by Hamm Plaza on the north side of Landmark Center to watch the lighting of this fantastic symbol of the holiday season.
Even with the necessary changes, the community is enjoying the holiday lights around the perimeter of Rice Park, as well as Hamm Plaza. You can see the lights now through Jan. 1, 2019. And with the change of location to the plaza near Landmark Center, you can also enjoy the view of the Christmas tree while you and your family enjoy ice skating at Wells Fargo WinterSkate. Take free skating lessons or enjoy an open skate now through Feb. 3, 2019.
Your Saint Paul Real Estate Agents
Our real estate agents are your source for all things Saint Paul. We live and work here, and we know you'll love this area and its holiday traditions as much as we do. Contact us today to find the home of your dreams in Saint Paul.