Join Vikings legend Cris Carter at Tree Lighting and Kettle Kickoff event Nov. 15 in St. Paul
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Come celebrate the start of the 2025 Christmas season at The Salvation Army Tree of Lights and Kettle Kickoff event at Rice Park in downtown St. Paul on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 5:30 p.m.
The Tree of Lights is a 40-foot digital tree that features a new light show every week of the holiday season. Be dazzled as colorful lights dance to the rhythm of Christmas music, surrounded by the enchanting holiday ambiance of historic Rice Park (109 West 4th Street).
This family-friendly event will feature an appearance by Minnesota Vikings legend and NFL Hall of Famer Cris Carter, with performances by VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and DJ D-Mill. Enjoy free cookies and hot chocolate, and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
This year’s Red Kettle campaign is overshadowed by a sharp rise in families and individuals needing help due to recent cutbacks in traditional government support programs.
“We need as many volunteer bell ringers as possible so that The Salvation Army can provide adequate assistance for the increasing number of people who need our help,” said Lt. Colonel Randall Polsley, commander of The Salvation Army Northern Division. “We encourage everybody to join us at the Red Kettles and help give joy to those in need.”
The Tree of Lights will be on display through Jan. 6, 2026. Our proud sponsors include:
- Blaze Credit Union
- Cemstone
- Comcast
- Cub
- metroConnections
- Minnesota Wild
- Saint Paul Downtown Alliance
- World Jr. Hockey
- Xcel Energy
2025 Red Kettle season
This holiday season, give joy to families in need by ringing bells for The Salvation Army. Sign up to ring.
Your time at a Red Kettle will be a huge help for local families who need food, shelter and care. Bell ringers typically raise about $100 per hour – enough to feed three families for week, or help save a family from eviction.
Bell ringing is fun and easy, with hundreds of kettle locations throughout Minnesota and North Dakota. Spread more joy by recruiting your friends, family and coworkers to join you.
Thousands of volunteer bell ringers are needed. Sign up now and help The Salvation Army provide a merry Christmas for people in need.
This Christmas season, support The Salvation Army by giving a donation or ringing bells at a Red Kettle. Your generosity will bring joy to local families in need.