The Chanhassen City Council heard an update on the civic campus project this week, which is moving forward with the planting of a large holiday tree as part of Phase 2 construction. The city also announced details for its annual holiday tree lighting ceremony, which will move to a new location this year due to ongoing construction work.

Jerry Ruger, the Chanhassen Park Recreation Director, told the council that a 22-foot holiday tree has been planted as part of Phase 2 of the civic campus project. The tree planting marks visible progress on the larger development, which is expected to be completed by July 1st, 2026. The civic campus project includes new recreational facilities and public spaces designed to serve the community.

Because construction work continues at the civic campus site, the city's annual holiday tree lighting ceremony will be held at the Chanhassen Recreation Center this year instead of its traditional location. The ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, December 6th, at 5:00 p.m., giving residents a chance to gather and kick off the holiday season together.

The relocation of the holiday event reflects the ongoing transformation of Chanhassen's civic center. Once Phase 2 is complete next summer, the new campus is expected to become a hub for community activities and gatherings. In the meantime, residents are invited to celebrate the holidays at the Recreation Center on December 6th.