By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

Pelham will give its residents a chance to get into the holiday spirit as the city lights its large Christmas tree at the Pelham Civic Complex on Nov. 26.

The free program will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Civic Complex’s main ice arena, and will include performances from several local groups.

At 6:15 p.m., the Pelham High School Jazz Ensemble will begin playing to entertain guests as they arrive and fill the arena, and cast members from the Alabama Youth Ballet Company’s production of The Nutcracker will be in the Civic Complex lobby to welcome guests and offer photo opportunities.

As in years past, Pelham Beautification Board members will give away Pelham Christmas ornaments to the first 1,000 visitors through the door.

After the program kicks off, choirs from Valley Elementary, Valley Intermediate, Riverchase Middle and Pelham High schools will sing, and the PHS Jazz Ensemble and RMS band will play tunes to get visitors in the holiday spirit.

The Pelham Fire Department colorguard and representatives from the Pelham-based Boy Scout Troop 404 will present the colors.

Following the presentation of the colors, players from the Pelham Youth Hockey League will scrimmage, and students from the Pelham Skate School will perform on the main ice rink.

The event will culminate with the lighting of the city’s 25-foot Christmas tree, which will remain on display at the Civic Complex through the holiday season.

Following the tree lighting, Santa Claus will make his grand entrance on the Zamboni, and will make laps around the ice rink to greet kids. After his Zamboni ride, Santa will visit with children and offer pictures in the Civic Complex ballroom while the Pelham First Baptist Church bell choir plays Christmas tunes.

Hot cocoa, apple cider and cookies will also be served in the ballroom after the tree is lit.