Live music performances and an appearance by Santa Claus will headline the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in downtown Edmonds on Saturday, Nov. 25, in an event staged each year by the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce.

The ceremony at Centennial Plaza begins at 4 p.m. and ends with the lighting of the tree at 5:30 p.m. Attendees can also get their photo taken with Santa following the ceremony.

As in years past, the chamber will collect clothing for Clothes for Kids, a local non-profit group serving families in need, and food for the Foundation for the Edmonds School Districts “Nourishing Network” program.

The event promises a variety of local music performers, including the Maplewood Jazz Band, the Community Children’s Choir, and North Sound Church Mosaic Choir. Free treats will also be provided, including coffee, hot cocoa, hot cider, cookies, candy canes and more — thanks to local businesses that include Waterfront Coffee Company, Ace Hardware, People’s Bank and PCC.

“This is a wonderful Edmonds tradition, and the Chamber is thrilled to put it on for the community year after year,” said Greg Urban, chamber President and CEO.  “We have great local musicians performing, and the ability to be able to use this event to provide support for local non-profits is in keeping with the spirit of the season,” Urban said.

Santa arrives by fire engine and leads the countdown to the lighting of the community tree in Centennial Plaza. He will then be escorted to Canarino Gelato, in Edmonds’ Old Milltown, where he will be available for photo with the kids.

There will be collection barrels for clothing at the Tree Lighting Ceremony, and the chamber will continue to collect donations at the Log Cabin Visitor Center throughout the month of November. New socks and underwear are the biggest need, along with new or gently used winter jackets.

Additional details are available by calling the Log Cabin, at 425-776-6711, or at www.edmondstreelighting.com