Pelham residents usher in the holiday season with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Monday, Nov. 29 at the Pelham Civic Complex on Amphitheater Road.

Pelham Beautification Board members will give away 1,000 Christmas ornaments at the door.

Program participants include ice-skating performances by Pelham High School students beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the PHS jazz band which will begin playing at 6:45 p.m.

The formal program begins at 7 p.m. in the main arena. Choirs will be performing from Valley Elementary, Valley Intermediate, Riverchase Middle and Pelham High schools.

The RMS band will also perform, and representatives from the Pelham Fire Department Color Guard and each branch of the military will present the colors.

The program will conclude with Santa Claus making his grand entrance on the zamboni and free ice-skating for all students.

The First Baptist Church Handbell Choir will play in the ballroom as children visit with Santa and enjoy cookies and hot apple cider. The event is free. The event is sponsored by the city of Pelham