By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–Old Town Helena will be the perfect place to kickoff the holiday season on Friday, Dec. 1, as Helena First Friday and the Helena Beautification Board have joined forces to present “A Helena Christmas to Remember.”

In addition to Helena First Friday set to kickoff on Dec. 1, at 5 p.m., the inaugural Helena Christmas Tree Lighting will take place at 8 p.m. at the welcome center caboose.

First Friday festivities will begin at 5 p.m. as crafts, vendors, live music and food trucks will line the streets of Old Town Helena for several hours of entertainment for the whole family.

The Helena Arts Council will also be on hand with Christmas ornaments that each family can decorate to be placed on the city’s Christmas tree. Opportunities to have pictures taken with Mrs. Claus will be available at Scozzaro Law, the Grinch will be set up at Skull Girl Soaps and Santa will be at Oh My Sole!

Once the activities at First Friday are complete, everyone is encouraged to make their way to the inaugural Christmas Tree Lighting at the welcome center caboose. There will be performances from the Helena United Methodist Church Handbell Ensemble and the Helena High School Choir.

To cap off the night, Helena Mayor Mark Hall will be illuminating the city’s 15-foot Christmas tree to officially ring in the holiday season.

The current list of vendors that will be on hand at Helena First Friday is as follows:

–Tyler Decor Heaven

–Frios Gourmet Pops

–Roden and Fields

–Hammerhead Woodworks

–Fetch

–Art Work by Alice

–Hey Sugar Cotton Candy

–Country Kettle Fudge

–Live a Little Dream Boutique

–Boutique 32

–Grace within Boutique

–The Heavenly Donut Company

–Sew Rebel

–LuLa Roe

–The Hillsboro School

–Tiger Rock

–Yucatan Trading

–Urban Smoke Food Truck

–Jams Garage

–Candle Maker

–Happy Crafty

–Tippy Toes and What Knots

–Stella & Dot

–Pampered Chef

–The Land of Cotton