The annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will return to the downtown district in Toms River on Dec. 7.
The tree, which is about 45 feet tall, is a permanent one that stands on township property on Washington Street.
Employees from the Toms River Township Buildings & Grounds department decorate the tree with lights the week leading up to the event.
“We plan most of our events a year out. The details like the schedule of the entertainment and layout of the event are a few months out,” Toms River Township Business Improvement District Marketing Director Kim Dippolito said.
She said the tree will stay lit every night through the new year.
The festive ceremony will take place in the courtyard of town hall on Dec. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m.
There will be live performances provided by the Donovan Catholic High School Chorus, The Applaud our Kids Foundation and the Toms River High School South Choir.
There will also be a magician and Mrs. Claus will read “Twas the Night Before Christmas”.
“Santa will arrive by fire truck courtesy of Toms River Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1. Santa will help the mayor light the tree and will go into town hall for photos. There will be hot chocolate and cookies for sale to benefit the fire company. We will also have a food and dessert truck and the many restaurants and shops downtown will be open,” Dippolito said.