The mayor's Christmas Tree will officially be lit this Friday night at City Hall.

The annual ceremony will be held this Friday from 4–7:15 p.m. at 701 N. 7th Street. The lighting of the tree itself will be at 7 p.m.

Activities at the event include: Santa Clause will visit the event, the Neighborhood Tree Contest will be held, movies will be presented in the Commission Chambers, a hot air balloon display will be offered, a number of children's characters will be there and players from the Kansas City Wizards will sign autographs.

Entertainment will be provided by the Bishop Ward Choral Ensemble, Resurrection School Choir, Hrvatskiovicaj, the Kansas City, Kan., Community Orchestra, the Ballet Folkloric, the Granada Carolers and the Salvation Army Brass Ensemble.

A number of local food vendors will be there.

Wheat State Pizza, El Camino Real, Big Grill & More, a hot dog cart, Salvation Army Canteen, funnel cakes and cookies provided by the YWCA will be available for purchase.

PICTURE: A photo from last year's ceremony.