FROM STAFF REPORTS

PELHAM – The City of Pelham will celebrate the start of the holiday season with its annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony Monday, Dec. 2 at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena.

The Pelham High School Choir and Jazz Ensemble will play carols in the main arena beginning at 6:15 p.m. Cast members from the Alabama Youth Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” will be in the lobby to welcome attendees and for photos.

The program will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The PHS Jazz Ensemble, Riverchase Middle School Band and choirs from Valley Elementary, Valley Intermediate, Riverchase Middle and Pelham High Schools will perform holiday music. The Pelham Fire Department Colors Guard and representatives from Boy Scouts Troop 404 of Pelham will present colors.

Members of the Pelham Youth Hockey League and the Pelham Skate School will showcase their skills.

Santa Claus will be available for the children from 5:45-6:15 p.m. and will make his grand entrance on a Zamboni followed by free ice-skating session for all students. Hot cocoa, apple cider and cookies will be served in the ballroom, as members of Pelham First Baptist Bell Choir ring Christmas melodies.

Pelham Beautification Board will be giving away 1,000 Pelham Christmas ornaments at the door.

The event is free to the public and sponsored by the city and the Pelham Beautification Board.