Downtown tree lighting Dec. 2

The official Christmas season for Carson City kicks off with the downtown tree lighting ceremonies Friday, Dec. 2.

This year's Festival of Lights begins at 5:30 p.m. at the state Capitol with the lighting of the state tree. Revelers will be entertained by the Carson City fifth grade music students singing ensemble and hot chocolate will be made available by the Elks Club at the corner of Carson and Musser streets. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their grand entrance in a 1927 Seagrave fire engine just before the tree is lit at 5:45 p.m. Mayor Bob Crowell be a guest speaker.

At 6 p.m., a candlelight procession will move to the lighting of the city tree at the First Presbyterian Church at Musser and Nevada streets. The procession will then continue to Telegraph Square where merchants will be hosting open houses. Music will be provided by The Tributes.

In Telegraph Square there will be the Clauses, face painting, clowns, a bounce house and other activities.

The Chamber of Commerce's Young Business Professionals will be hosting the Chamber Christmas Party on the back porch of the High Sierra Brewing Company at Proctor and Curry streets. Revelers also are invited to make their way to the Arlington Square Ice Rink for a figure skating performance. A time is not yet set.

For more information visit carson.org.