By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

PELHAM – The most wonderful time of the year is right around the corner and the city of Pelham is preparing for its annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting where all guests are invited to attend.

The event will offer music, cookies and cocoa, ice skating and a visit with Santa in the main arena at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena.

Join friends and neighbors to kick off the beginning of the Christmas season on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m.

Guests to the event will enjoy holiday music from a Community Church Choir featuring singers from First Baptist Church Pelham, Pelham Church of God, Kingdom Christian Center, Lakeview 1st United Methodist Church, Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd, Church of the Highlands, Crosscreek Baptist and First Baptist Church Alabaster. Members of the Pelham Beautification Board will also pass out 1,000 Christmas ornaments to guest in attendance.

In addition to the community choir, the evening will include a Christmas Carol sing along and a holiday message from Pastor Jason Hallcox of Pelham Church of God. The Pelham Skate School will also provide beautiful figure skating to complement the Christmas music.

Santa Claus will be available for the youngest residents from 5:30-6:15 p.m. and will return for visits after the Pelham Community Christmas Tree Lighting beginning at 7:30-8:45 p.m. The Pelham High School Culinary Arts Program will provide cookies and cocoa in the ballroom with Christmas music provided by Blaze Entertainment.  Guests are encouraged to bring a camera to capture visits with Santa.

As part of the event, both ice rinks will feature free ice skating for guests from 7:30-9 p.m.

The Pelham Community Christmas Tree Lighting is free to the public and sponsored by the city of Pelham and the Beautification Board. It’s meant to be an evening of holiday cheer for the entire family.