Moonlight Magic, downtown plaza launch to kick off holiday season in the Sault

Holiday season in Sault Ste. Marie begins Thursday when Moonlight Magic takes place.

To coincide with the annual event, the city will be debuting the new Downtown Plaza, with programming starting at 5:30 p.m.

Then at 7 p.m. Saultites are welcome to join Mayor Shoemaker and the Downtown Association in front of the courthouse for the tree lighting.

Queen Street between Pim and Dennis will be closed to vehicle traffic starting at 3 p.m., but crossroads heading north and south will remain open.

Full details are in the news release that follows:

Celebrate the magic of the season with friends and family at the Downtown Association’s Moonlight Magic event and the lighting of the community tree. Join Mayor Shoemaker and the Downtown Association on Thursday, November 16 at 7 p.m. in front of the courthouse.
 
Moonlight Magic marks the official start of the holiday season in Sault Ste. Marie. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. the programming launch takes place at the City’s downtown plaza. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, ice skating at the plaza’s rink (weather permitting), holiday lights, games, and entertainment on the Village Stage with Jay Case from 8 – 10 p.m. Warm up at the designated stations and enjoy signature holiday beverages from the licensed outdoor bar. Explore late night offerings from 6 – 9 p.m. at the new location of the Soo Market, an ideal place for finding that perfect, unique gift.
 
Then, at 6:30 p.m. head to the courthouse where Korah’s Mustang Sally will entertain the audience setting the stage for the annual tree lighting at 7 p.m. Hot chocolate and festive drinks will be available at various restaurants and businesses along Queen Street and don’t miss the opportunity to meet Santa on the PUC March Street stage. Join Mr. Bon Soo in the plaza to test your frigid facts by answering trivia questions to win Bon Soo Carnival passes. Downtown merchants will be open until 11 p.m. for late night shopping and deals. In the spirit of the season, guests are encouraged to bring donations for the Sault Transit Stuff-A-Bus supporting Christmas Cheer.
 
Please note that Queen Street from Pim Street to Dennis Street will be closed to motorists on Thursday, November 16 starting at 3 p.m. for the event. However, crossroads heading north and south will remain accessible.
 
A special thank you to the City’s Public Works and Engineering Services staff, the Downtown Association, PUC and all the sponsors recognized on the donor tree who have helped to make the annual tree lighting possible. We look forward to seeing you there.