Westlake Park Tree Lighting and Holiday Carousel

Westlake Park’s holiday kickoff is Friday, November 27, 2026, the day after Thanksgiving. Crafts, characters, and treats start at 11 a.m.; the tree and star light at 5 p.m., then fireworks. The ceremony is free and the plaza gets packed fast.

The Westlake Holiday Carousel, presented by Nordstrom, opens that same afternoon and stays through January 3, 2027, back for the first time since 2019. Ride hours and fares were not on the October announcement yet, so recheck before you promise kids a spin.

Do the lighting if you want the countdown. Come back on a weekday later for the carousel when downtown is calmer.