Loveland will light a Christmas tree more than 60 feet tall in Historic Downtown on Dec. 5, opening the holiday season with baking contests, a toy drive and a statewide honor.

The 6th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Festival runs from 4 to 8 p.m. along the Little Miami Scenic Trail near West Loveland Avenue, according to the city's event page. The City of Loveland and the Loveland-Symmes Firefighters Association are co-hosting the evening. The tree is adorned with approximately 2,500 lights and 250 ornaments.

Before the tree is lit, the publisher of Ohio Magazine will be on hand to recognize Loveland as one of the magazine's Best Hometowns for 2026–2027. Loveland joins Marietta, Marion, Massillon and Tiffin on the list, according to Ohio Magazine.

Two contest deadlines fall before the festival.

Gingerbread contest: Participants recreate a Loveland business out of gingerbread and edible decorations. Finished entries must be turned in to City Hall by 4 p.m. Nov. 30. The community votes on the entries, and the top creations win prizes, according to the city's contest page.

Cookie baking contest: Bakers submit homemade Christmas sugar cookies to City Hall by noon Dec. 4. Judges score on flavor, decoration, uniqueness, presentation and "dunkability," according to the city's cookie contest page. Entrants set aside their 10 best cookies for judging and place the rest in a separate container to share. Winners will be announced before the tree lighting.

The Alex Siegel Memorial Foundation is running a toy drive during the festival to benefit children at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. As we reported Nov. 6, the foundation is organizing the drive in connection with the festival. Attendees can bring a toy donation to the event.

Portions of West Loveland Avenue and surrounding streets will be closed during the event, according to the city.

Upcoming deadlines

  • Nov. 30, 4 p.m. — Gingerbread contest entries due at City Hall
  • Dec. 4, noon — Cookie contest entries due at City Hall
  • Dec. 5, 4–8 p.m. — Christmas Tree Lighting Festival, Historic Downtown Loveland