It’s December, Thanksgiving is over and the leftovers are mostly eaten, and the Christmas cheer is about to kick off with the sixth annual Sedona Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 1, at Tlaquepaque North from 5 to 7 p.m. with the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, Tlaquepaque and the city of Sedona bringing free holiday fun and treats to the community.

“It’s an amazing event,” chamber communications director Carol Kahn said. “It’s a community atmosphere. You see all friends and family gathering during this particular time and just watching everybody’s face light up once that Christmas tree is lit, it’s really a beautiful experience.” The event typically attracts around 400 attendees, but parking is rarely an issue in spite of its size. However, there is no shuttle service and people tend to either park on-site or in Uptown and walk down to Tlaquepaque to join the festivities.

“It begins at 5 p.m. at Tlaquepaque North. There will be young violinists from the Sedona Charter School,” Kahn said. “The Grinch usually shows up greeting the kids while they wait for Santa’s arrival, but he’s charming.”

A local business will provide sweet treats and hot chocolate, she added.

Santa is anticipated to arrive at 5:45 p.m. and is typically welcomed by a performance by the “Boom Drummers,” who wear toy soldier costumes.

“They usually perform right as Santa is coming to talk with the kids and finding out if they’re naughty or nice,” Kahn said. Guests can anticipate comments from city and chamber officials followed immediately by the tree lighting.

“It’s one of my favorite events to attend at Tlaquepaque and I love how it’s decorated, and it looks beautiful with the lights,” Kahn said. “It’s also First Friday in the galleries, so it will be a great shopping time.”

The holiday fun at Tlaquepaque will continue on Saturday, Dec. 9, with the Festival of Lights from 3 to 8 p.m.

“The cherished tradition of the Festival of Lights began 50 years ago and is a highly-anticipated holiday event in Sedona,” Tlaquepaque’s website stated. “A full schedule of lively musical entertainment, a visit from Santa and free cider await, making it the perfect outing for families and friends. At the tolling of the bell tower at 5 p.m., the lighting of 6,000 luminarias gets underway in Tlaquepaque’s courtyards and walkways.”

For more information, call (928) 282-4838, email visitorinfo@tlaq. com or visit tlaq.com.