Downtown Christmas tree all decked out for the flick of the switch

This year's Christmas tree made its way downtown on a flatbed truck, and with the help of North Bay Fire and Emergency Services ladder trucks and crews, has been adorned with strings of lights in anticipation of the flick of the switch at the tree-lighting ceremony, Thursday at 6 p.m.

Although the Christmas Walk event is cancelled, Downtown North Bay is hosting the traditional tree-lighting ceremony to officially kick off the holiday season. The ceremony will take place in the parkette at the intersection of Fraser Street and Main Street West.

See related: Old Fashioned Downtown Christmas Walk organizers aim for 2022 return

Downtown North Bay invites you to catch a glimpse of Santa and grab a photo with him as he strolls downtown and is encouraging you to "shop local and support local," this holiday season while you "eat, shop and walk your downtown and enjoy the sparkling lights and decorations with family and friends."

The night of the tree-lighting ceremony is also the official launch of "Merry & Bright Thursday Nights." Enjoy your favourite stores and restaurants and make a night of it with extended hours on November 18 and 25, and December 2, 9, 16 and 23. 

Downtown North Bay is also bringing back the popular "Downtown Passport." Get it stamped when you make a purchase in Downtown North Bay, fill it with three stamps, then drop it off with any merchant and your name will be entered into a draw to win "Downtown dollars." For more, click here.