With Thanksgiving celebrated last Thursday, the time is here to officially welcome in the Christmas season. The City of Hobbs is planning to do just that on Saturday, December 4. 

The city’s fourth annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place at 7:00 pm at the Shipp Street Plaza, 130 West Broadway Street in downtown Hobbs. Pre-tree lighting activities will begin at 6:00 pm. 

Plan to come early as the first 100 attendees will receive free hot chocolate, “a gracious donation from the vendor and a gift from the City of Hobbs”, states the City of Hobbs Facebook page. Free photos with Santa will also be available. 

Food and retail vendors will embellish the celebration, and Jack Frost’s Children’s Village with prizes for children who find gold tickets within the village, a horse-drawn carriage, free stocking and cooking decorating, free face painting will be among other attractions offered for folks’ enjoyment. 

The city’s Facebook page states, “A Hobbs Fire Department ladder truck will approach the tree with the star, and at 7 o’clock the tree will be lit for all to cheer and enjoy!” 

City of Hobbs Mayor Sam Cobb, who will light the tree, encourages all community members and guests to attend the event. Mayor Cobb said that “this event quickly became a special event to our community. … There will be something to entertain, feed, and purchase for all! Let’s kick off this time of year together!”

The Hobbs Tree Lighting Ceremony benefits the Hobbs Fire Department (HFD) Toy Drive. The public is encouraged to donate toys and /or money at the tree lighting by going to the HFD’s fire engine 1930, which will be parked at the event. Donations may also be made by contacting the HFD via its Facebook page or by calling (575)397-9308. 

For more information about being a vendor at the Hobbs Tree Lighting Ceremony, contact Jarred De La Cruz at (575)397-8603 or send an email to him at jdelacruz@hobbsnm.org. You can also message the City of Hobbs on its Facebook page.