By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer  

PELHAM— The city of Pelham will celebrate the start of the holiday season with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Nov. 30 at the Pelham Civic Complex.

The annual event features several performances from Pelham schools, free ice-skating, pictures with Santa and more, with the official program beginning at 6:30 p.m.

“It just kicks off the holiday season,” said event coordinator Paula Holly. “We look forward to it every year.”

As guests trickle into the event, they’ll have the opportunity to visit with Santa Claus from 5:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Meanwhile, they’re will be Christmas carols at the entrance provided by Pelham High School’s choir and jazz ensemble in the main arena.

Cast members from the Alabama Youth Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” will greet attendees in the lobby in costume and pose for photos. Later, they will also perform a selection from “The Nutcracker” in the main arena.

Starting at 6:30 p.m., live holiday music will be preformed by choirs from Valley Elementary, Valley Intermediate, Riverchase Middle and Pelham High schools, along with the Riverchase Middle School’s band and Pelham High School’s jazz ensemble.

The Pelham Fire Department Color Guard and representatives from Boy Scouts of America Troop 404 will present colors, members of the Pelham Mite Under 8 Division will showcase their skills and students from the Pelham Skate School and the Birmingham Figure Skating Club will perform for the audience.

Following the main program, Santa Claus will return for his grand entrance. Parents and family members will be able to snap photos with Santa in the ballroom.

All the students can participate in a free ice-skating session. Free hot cocoa, apple cider and cookies will be provided and served by the PHS culinary arts program in the ballroom with Christmas music provided by DJ Thomas Nails.

Holly and the Pelham Beautification Board began planning this event in late September, picking out ornaments and meeting with the schools and ice classes. The Beautification Board members will also be giving away 1,000 Pelham Christmas commemorative ornaments at the door.

“It’s very well received,” Holly said. “I know the parents and grandparents love to see their kids perform.”