PELHAM – The city of Pelham is kicking off the holiday season with its annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting on Thursday, Nov. 29, in the main arena of the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena.

Those who attend will enjoy holiday music by the Pelham High School jazz band, cookies, hot cocoa, ice skating, a visit with Santa and members of the Beautification Board will pass out 1,000 Christmas ornaments guests. The festivities kick off at 6:30 p.m.

Residents will be able to ice skate for free from 7:30-9 p.m.

Inside the main arena, guests will be treated to Christmas music from the children in the community representing the local schools. Members of the youth hockey Pelham Mite Under 8 Division will showcase their skills, and students from the Pelham Skate School and the Birmingham Figure Skating Club will dazzle the crowd with on-ice performances.

Santa Claus will be available from 5:30-6:15 p.m., but will return after the tree lighting from 7:30-8:45 p.m. Remember to bring a camera to capture visits with Santa.

The Pelham High School Culinary Arts Program will provide cookies and cocoa in the ballroom with Christmas music provided by Blaze Entertainment.

The Community Christmas Tree Lighting is free to the public and sponsored by the city and the Beautification Board.