A Christmas Tradition in Kenora Since 1931

Christmas in Kenora would not be the same without the Christmas tree lit up on Main Street.

Author's Note: This article was published in 2015 but has been updated. See pictures of more recent Main Street Trees at the end of the article.

If you’re travelling through downtown Kenora, Ontario anytime after the second or third week in November, you’ll see a majestic, massive Christmas tree at the corner of Main and Second Streets.

The first time a Christmas tree was ever placed on Main Street was back in 1931. The man behind it was Joseph Derry, the proprietor of Derry’s Palace Theatre. 

For most residents today, the Christmas season starts once the tree is lifted into place on Main Street. Not that long ago, the tree was just put up and the lights were turned on without much fanfare. The last few years, however, have seen a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony spearheaded by the Harbourtown Biz.

A great shot of the tree on Main Street by Chris Barre of Skycam UAV.

Children and adults alike head downtown for the lighting of the tree. It has turned into quite an event. The crowds gather, listening to Christmas carolers, Santa arrives and greets the children. When it’s time, everyone counts down and the beautiful tree is lit up.

After photos with Santa in front of the twinkling tree, everyone heads to the Lake of the Woods Museum for hot cider and cookies. The museum is beautifully decorated, and everyone strolls throughout the museum admiring all the decorated Christmas trees while listening to some live music.

For most people it all seems quite simple, you put up the tree, watch the tree lighting and then enjoy the view for a few weeks. But it’s actually quite a huge undertaking each year. 

Residents submit applications each year for their trees to be considered for Main Street. There are many factors that are considered: size, height, width, etc. Once a tree is chosen, you don’t just quickly put it up. We’re talking about a humongous tree that needs to be transported on a flatbed truck. It's a massive undertaking.

Ray Edwards and CJ Edwards and Son Ltd have been volunteering their time for many, many years. The tree is carefully cut down and the tree must be placed and transported on the truck without ruining any branches. It’s quite the feat. After getting a police escort to the temporarily cordoned-off Main Street, the tree is lifted off the truck and into place. 

The tree is being transported to its location on Main Street. Photo: KenoraOnline 

In 2015, the tree held special significance for one Kenora resident. The majestic blue spruce was donated by Don Brown of Superior Street in Keewatin. The tree was in fact planted by Kristen Hansen and her family in the Spring of 1975, making it 40 years old. The below photo shows the tree just after it was planted in 1975 and then the same tree later as Kenora's Christmas tree in 2015. 

Kristen in front of the tree in 1975 and then again in 2015!

Kenora Hydro puts up many lights each year. This year, they had the most lightbulbs ever! There are thousands of lights; around 7,000-8,000. Below, CJ Edwards & Son is placing the tree on the truck before it heads downtown.

One can't help but smile as they turn the corner onto Main Street and see the tree.

If you'd like a copy of the main cover photo by Kim Pirie-Milko, the print and other wonderful photos of Northwestern Ontario are located on her website at naturescapephoto.ca

2018 Kenora Christmas Tree Kenora Main St Christmas Tree 2019 The 2020 Kenora Main St Christmas Tree 2022 Main Street Christmas Tree in Kenora The 2023 Kenora Main St Chrismas Tree
More Recent Kenora Main Street Christmas Trees (starting from top left) 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, & 2023
About Erin Rody

I grew up on Black Sturgeon Lake in Northwestern Ontario. I am a staff writer for the Sunset Country Travel Association. Through my articles I hope to entice you to visit the wonderful region I call home. We are all about outdoor adventure; with 70,000 lakes and rivers and a whole lot of forests how can we not be? Whether you like to fish, hunt, canoe, kayak, boat or go camping, Sunset Country has something for you. Enjoy!

Recommended Articles

Curious as to which fish species are in your favourite lake?

Use this interactive map to find out.

New Restrictions on What You Can Bring into Canada

Keep up to dates with the changes.

Cougar Controversy?

More Evidence They Live in Ontario

8 facts you didn't know about moose

Just how big is a moose anyway?

Big Jacks in Sunset Country!

Renew Your Outdoors Card, Online!

It's never been easier to buy your Ontario fishing license and Outdoors Card

White Otter Castle: The Incredible Story of the Mansion in the Middle of Nowhere

Imagine single-handedly building this massive structure in the middle of the wilderness?

Canada's Gemstone Capital: Mining Amethyst in Thunder Bay

Purple is our favourite fall colour. ;)

10 Facts About Lac Seul

How many of these did you know?

What makes Wabigoon such a great lake to fish?

Well for one, it has potential for the next world record muskie!

Reference Guide to the Towns & Cities in Northwest Ontario

Small towns with big hearts

Landscape Photography at its Finest

Learn how to capture our sunsets and more!

Specks on the Nipigon River

World Record Brook Trout Caught Here in 1915

Fish Species in Ojibwe

Learn the Anishinaabemowin name of your favourite species

The Path of the Paddle

Wilderness paddling taken to a new level

7 Interesting Facts about Sioux Lookout

From airplane skis to Queen Elizabeth, this northern town is full of historic surprises!

6 Road Trips from Minneapolis to Northwestern Ontario

From fishing and wildlife sightings to culture, good eats and of course sunsets, there’s lots to discover.

Go Barbless

You'll still catch fish!

Giant Pike on Ice

Tips & techniques for catching big pike through the ice.

6 sand beaches in Kenora

Cool off at one of these drive-to or boat-to beaches in Sunset Country!