Santa Claus will greet children during Carmichael Park District’s annual Christmas festival and tree lighting, Dec. 5.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Bright lights, Christmas songs and faux snow will herald the holidays at Carmichael Park next Thursday, Dec. 5.

The 22nd annual community tree lighting ceremony welcomes the season’s biggest celebrities: Santa Claus and animated heroine Elsa, from Disney’s “Frozen.”

Leading a count-down at 6:15 p.m., Park District Advisory Board Chris Ives will flip a switch to fire up thousands of fairy lights on the 50ft park Christmas tree and surrounding illuminations.

Activities begin at 4:30 p.m. when Santa Claus arrives to hear Christmas wishes. One of his elves will distribute peppermint canes to nice – even naughty -- kids waiting in line. Free crafting opportunities will further reward believers.

At 5:30 p.m., 60 River City Concert Band musicians will strike up the band for carols and Christmas singalongs.

Even with a fair weather forecast for Dec. 5, snow flurries may surprise Carmichael. In the park, machine-generated white stuff is likely to dot thousands of noses and eyelashes.

Food trucks will supply hot snacks for purchase. Visitors are requested to bring canned donations to fill San Juan School District’s food closet.

Event sponsors include Buck Family Automotive, Carmichael Parks Foundation, Supervisor Rich Desmond, Carmichael Kiwanis Club and Carmichael Improvement District.

Anyone may attend the free Dec. 5 celebration. Decorations may be viewed at the park frontage until the New Year. Carmichael Park is located at 5750 Grant Ave.