Christmas in Crabapple and Milton tree lighting: date and time

Last checked Oct. 5, 2026. Date, time, place and activities come from the City of Milton’s Christmas in Crabapple page and its calendar listing. This page is updated for each year’s event at the same address.

Christmas in Crabapple, the City of Milton’s holiday kickoff, runs from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, at Broadwell Pavilion, 12615 Broadwell Road, in historic downtown Crabapple. Santa poses for free photos, and the official city Christmas tree is lit at dusk with holiday singalongs.

Know before you go

• When: Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, 2 to 6 p.m.; tree lighting at dusk
• Where: Broadwell Pavilion, 12615 Broadwell Road
• Santa photos: free, no reservations needed
• Organizer: City of Milton
• Questions: Community Outreach Manager Emily Salerno, emily.salerno@miltonga.gov

What happens

The city’s event page lists:

• Santa, who meets children, hears gift requests and poses for pictures with anyone who comes by. No reservations are required, and the city shares its professional photographer’s photos free of charge.
• Face painting, with snowflakes, candy canes and more.
• Music from an on-site DJ and local musicians, including singers from the Milton High School chorus.
• A balloon artist.
• Crafts: decorating ornaments and cookies, and writing letters to Santa.
• The tree lighting at dusk, with holiday singalongs from local musicians.

How it went last year

In its report on the 2025 event, the city said Santa arrived on a Milton Fire truck, ushered in by members of the Cambridge High School marching band, and spent several hours posing for free pictures. Hundreds of people came. Mayor Peyton Jamison helped light the tree early in the evening with a giant switch, made snow and a “Deck the Halls” performance by Milton High chorus singers.

The city put the 2024 crowd at 1,000 or more people, who packed the pavilion and the adjacent stretch of Broadwell Road. The tree stands a few steps from the pavilion.

Cost and tickets

The city’s page names no ticket or admission charge, and the photos with Santa are free.

Getting there and parking

Broadwell Pavilion is at 12615 Broadwell Road in downtown Crabapple. The city has not published a parking plan, a shuttle or a road closure for Christmas in Crabapple. We will add them here if it does.

More holiday events from the city

The city’s list of its 2026 events has two more in December:

• Pancake Breakfast with Santa, Saturday, Dec. 12, at Fire Station 44
• Tea Party with Mrs. Claus, Monday, Dec. 21

Frequently asked questions

When is the Milton tree lighting in 2026? The city tree is lit at dusk during Christmas in Crabapple, which runs from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, at Broadwell Pavilion, 12615 Broadwell Road.

Can I get a photo with Santa at Christmas in Crabapple? Yes. Santa poses for pictures with anyone who comes by. The city says no reservations are needed and it shares its professional photographer’s photos free of charge.

What is there to do at Christmas in Crabapple? The city lists face painting, a balloon artist, ornament and cookie decorating, letters to Santa, music from a DJ and local singers including the Milton High School chorus, and the tree lighting with holiday singalongs.

How many people go to Christmas in Crabapple? The City of Milton said 1,000 or more people came in 2024, and hundreds came in 2025.

What this means for you

• Come before dusk if you want a photo with Santa and a spot for the tree lighting.
• Early December evenings are cold. The city’s 2025 report described a chilly day, with hot chocolate on hand.
• The city has not posted a rain date. Check the event page on the day if the weather turns.

Related: things to do this weekend and our other annual event pages for Pancake Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 12, Crabapple Fest, Carvin’ in Crabapple and Red, White, and YOU!.