Santa Claus and a Zamboni may seem like an odd pairing, but the two are a welcomed tradition for the City of Pelham.

Santa will usher in the holiday season on the trusty ice resurfacer as part of the city’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Pelham Civic Complex on Dec. 1. The event is free to the public.

A singing performance by second graders from Valley Elementary School will kickoff pre-program festivities at 6:25 p.m. The Pelham Skate School and the Pelham High School Jazz Band are also slated to perform.

The formal program will begin at 7 p.m., and feature the Pelham Fire Department Men’s Ensemble, the Riverchase Middle School Band and the Valley Intermediate, Riverchase Middle and Pelham High school choirs.

The Pelham Fire Department Color Guard and Boy Scout Troup 404 will present the colors, and the program concludes with you-know-who.

Throughout the event, guests may treat themselves to hot apple cider and cookies while listening to the Pelham First Baptist Bell Choir in the ballroom. In addition, students may ice skate for free.

For more information, call 620-6402.