NorthWest Crossing will be lighting the 65-foot Ponderosa pine located in the breezeway between presenting sponsor Harcourts The Garner Group Real Estate and All Mixed-Up in the neighborhood center on N.W. Crossing Drive on Thursday, December 1 at approximately 6:15pm.

This will be a nice opportunity for photos and video, and a good example of community holiday celebrations in the region. In addition to the tree lighting, Santa will be on hand for a visit, the Summit High Choir will perform Christmas music and a Bend Fire Department is bringing a ladder truck for the kids to explore.

The public is invited to the Thursday evening ceremony, where they can enjoy free hot cocoa provided by NorthWest Crossing. Visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Bend Fire Department’s Santa Express, which distributes food to needy families throughout the city. Those who bring a donation will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of several NorthWest Crossing Gift Baskets stuffed with merchandise and gift certificates from NorthWest Crossing businesses.