By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA – The weekend of Nov. 30 will be an exciting time to kick off the holiday season in Helena as several events including “A Helena Christmas to Remember” will help get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

The Helena Beautification Board and the Helena Business Association will present “A Helena Christmas to Remember” on Friday, Nov. 30 beginning at 5 p.m. in Old Town Helena.

The event will feature fun festivities for the entire family as the Christmas kick off event will include local merchants staying open late, holiday themed vendors, live music, food trucks and more.

Once the shopping is complete, the event will be capped off with a special Christmas Tree Lighting beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Welcome Center Caboose.

The Christmas Tree Lighting will feature performances from James Quakenbush and the Helena High School choir as the grand marshal of the Helena Christmas parade will be illuminating the city’s 15-foot Christmas tree to officially ring in the holiday season.

The Helena Beautification Board is an appointed board of the Helena City Council. The Board believes that people and places are profoundly connected and thriving communities are rooted in individual responsibility and action. They host a variety of opportunities for the community to come together and serve each year. Events are posted on the Helena Beautiful Facebook page and announced via Twitter at @TweetHomeHelena.