As temperatures drop below freezing in the 417 and Thanksgiving is just around the corner, it seems that all of Springfield is eager to embrace the holiday spirit.

One of the most exciting ways in which the community comes together each year for the holidays is the Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony in Park Central Square.

The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17. The event will feature musical performances by the Springfield Little Theatre and Studio Vie, among others.

A host of free activities are included in the event, such as free hot chocolate and free carriage rides from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For anyone willing to test out their skills on ice, Mediacom Ice Park will be waiving the cost of admission for ice skating from 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. (Note that skate rental is still $3 per person.)

The tree-lighting ceremony will spotlight the new “Holiday Crossroads” holiday compilation music album, featuring Drury University’s own Rick Maxson along with his wife Karen Maxon (performing as their ukulele duo, “Uke 66”) and other musical performers from the Springfield area.

Proceeds from the album sales will help fund the expansion of downtown Springfield’s “Festival of the Lights.”

This year’s tree will be a 25-foot blue spruce that will reside in Park Central Square to illuminate downtown and spread Christmas cheer.

The pre-show activities will conclude at 7:30 p.m., when the tree will officially be lit.

Written by Olivia Thompson.