Thanks for the reply,

I asked the client what their expectations are. They just want shots the can put in the local paper. I could not get more specifics other than “journalistic shots”

I am familiar with the location, just not at night. I am going there tonight to take test shots.

I have the wider lenses for the Christmas tree and people around it and establish shots. There will be some time before sunset that I can use the longer lenses.

Your tips on composition are great! If I use brightly lit backgrounds, I can use the flash to fill in the faces.

I will definitely prioritize the light! A well lit picture is worth a thousand poorly lit ones. I will look for that tonight when I am there for a scene eval.

Fortunately, it should not get colder than 45 degrees

Thank you so much! There is enough here I need to read it multiple times to get it all.