Across the globe, towns have unique Christmas traditions, from festive markets to tree lighting ceremonies. In Park City, the modern celebration features Santa on a ski lift and a torchlight parade, but the origins of this tradition trace back to the post-Great Depression era when the community sought to revive its holiday spirit. In 1941, the Park Record described a new tree lighting event as 'the firemen’s effort in establishing a better Christmas spirit in our community.' The Parent-Teacher Association aimed to make this tree lighting an annual occurrence. Santa Claus was a key figure, welcoming attendees and signaling the lighting of the tree, which became a beacon on Main Street. The ceremony involved bringing in a large evergreen, decorating it, and lighting it in a lot south of the post office. This tradition persisted into the 1950s, but as Park City's population decreased, so did the Christmas spirit. The Kimball Art Center later revived the tradition in 1981, 40 years after the original ceremony, with Deer Valley donating a tree. Those involved believed this was Park City’s first tree lighting and celebrated their efforts. The resumption of the tree lighting took place on Main Street and occasionally at other locations, like the Park City Library, continuing until the mid-2000s. The tradition then shifted to Miners Park in the 2010s as part of the Electric Light Parade festivities. Over the years, hotels such as Stein Eriksen Lodge and Montage at Deer Valley initiated their own tree lightings. In 2016, the Canyons side of Park City Mountain began its own tree lighting ceremony, which remains a staple today, while Main Street has transitioned to showcasing snowglobe displays. This history reflects the evolving celebration of Christmas in Park City.