The community is invited to join St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter at the lighting of the Salvation Army “Tree of Lights” and Red Kettle campaign kick-cff. The 40-foot tree with more than 25,000 lights makes its inaugural appearance at its home in Rice Park, becoming the first holiday tree in the park in three years. The program begins at 5:30 pm and the tree lighting is at 5:55 pm.

The Salvation Army also kicks off its annual Red Kettle campaign, the cornerstone of its Christmas fundraising season. Funds collected in the kettles help those in need in the Twin Cities all year long. The program will feature the St. Paul Police Band Drumline, music group Known MPLS, singer Jennifer Edwards, cookies and hot chocolate, and the state’s largest red kettle!