The City of Tampa hosts it annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Friday night.
The ceremony kicks off at 6:00 p.m. in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park with holiday music from the 10-piece horn band, Late Night Brass.
Magic 94.9 Morning Show's Chadd & Kristi will host the ceremony. They will give one lucky person attending the event $1,000 via the Secret Santa Giveaway contest.
Chick-Fil-A cows will be in the park handing out free Chick Fil-A sandwiches while supplies last.
Around 7:50 p.m.. Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and his wife Catherine will flip the switch to officially light up the city's 30-foot-tall Christmas tree.
We are getting lit tonight in Tampa and St. Pete. Clear and cooler. Enjoy! pic.twitter.com/q2dLnLfqTm
— Ivan Cabrera (@IvanCabreraTV) December 2, 2016
Following the tree lighting, there will be a free screening in the park of the classic "A Christmas Story."
The holiday fun will continue on Saturday during Tampa's 35th annual Santa Fest and Christmas Parade.
The parade begins at 11:00 a.m. and features floats, a marching band, dance troops, crazy characters and a visit by Santa Claus.
The parade starts at the intersection of Madison and Piece Streets. It will travel west on Madison before turning north onto Ashley Drive and concluding at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park where Santa Fest is being held.
Anyone interested in viewing the parade is encouraged to arrive by 9:00 a.m. to find a parking spot and get a good spot along the parade route.
Santa Fest features live entertainment, interactive games, bounce houses, a rock wall, crafts, giveaways and photos with Santa. Festival events will occur in the park from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
For more information, visit www.friendsoftamparec.org.
