Employees of Vernam Crane and Redmond Public Works position the annual Redmond Christmas tree in the courtyard of Centennial Park on Nov. 15 in Redmond.

As cold wind blew through the city, hinting at more winter weather, Redmond was getting ready for the holiday season. Crews put up a Christmas tree and lights and worked on downtown’s annual ice rink.

On Nov. 15, the Redmond Chamber of Commerce brought in the tree, which was donated by Caroline and Donald Costa, to the square at Centennial Park. Crews from Vernam Crane Service lifted it into place.

“This is a part of the season,” said Eric Sande, director of the Redmond Chamber of Commerce. “The tree is donated by the community. It brings the community together.”

The chamber has already started putting lights on the tree, but it won’t be lit until the Starlight Parade on Saturday, Nov. 26. Starting at 5 p.m., the parade will head through downtown Redmond to Centennial Park where Santa will light the tree around 6:30 or 7 p.m.

“The tree lighting at the end of the starlight parade is always a blast,” said Teri Jansen, ambassador for the Redmond Chamber of Commerce.

Sande estimated there were a couple thousand people in attendance for the big reveal last year.

Jansen said city crews are also putting up lights and garlands throughout the city and are moving in a Christmas village to Centennial Park. A holiday market is scheduled for Nov. 25, the day after Thanksgiving.

Additionally, crews have been working to set up the Redmond Ice Skating Rink to open after Thanksgiving as well.

The skating rink will be open 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3 to 10 p.m. Friday through Saturday and from 3 to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Additionally, free skate sessions will be held from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

It will cost $5 to rent skates and jump on the ice. Those with their own skates will pay $1.25 to enter. There is also the option to buy a $15 family pass for up to six people from the same household.