Menifee Christmas Tree Lighting relocated to City Hall

Citing concerns about safety because of construction beginning in the area, city officials have decided to move this year's Christmas tree lighting from Menifee Town Center to City Hall.

The iconic oak tree planted as a centerpiece of the Menifee Town Center has been used for the lighting ceremony and festivities the last three years. The plan at the time was to have the ceremony be the center of a hub of activity as the development arises. Virtually no development in the dirt lot took place in the ensuing years, however, because of delays in plans and approval for a theater complex and other venues.

Recently, according to a city official, grading work began on a segment of roadway to access housing that will be part of the 172-acre project. There also is grading for an apartment complex and construction of a park that will include an amphitheater.

So while the Krikorian entertainment complex remains in the planning stages, construction officials told city personnel they didn't consider it safe to welcome a large crowd to the oak tree roundabout.

The Christmas tree lighting event returns this year to City Hall, where it was held in previous years. Besides lighting the large tree in front of the building, officials will provide all the same activities originally planned for the Town Center. These include a snow play area for kids, arrival of Santa, food and craft vendors and more.

The event will run from 4-8 p.m. on Dec. 9 at 29714 Haun Road.