DAPHNE, Ala.—The annual Christmas parade and tree lighting is set for 6 p.m. Thursday on Main Street and at City Hall.

Festivities will begin with the parade at 6 p.m., which starts at the corner of Santa Rosa Avenue and Main Street and snakes to College Avenue.

The tree lighting will immediately follow the parade on the lawn at City Hall.

“We’re really excited this year to have City Hall to serve as a backdrop again for this wonderful event,” Mayor Fred Small said. “In years past, we have used the front lawn and I am thrilled to have it back on the front lawn again.”

This will be the first Christmas celebration at the new, $7.5 million City Hall. Last year’s celebration, with construction mid-stream, was held across the street at Centennial Park.

Thursday’s ceremony will feature The Rebecca Barry Band  and a performance by the W.J. Carroll Intermediate school choir. Children can sit with Santa Claus and have their pictures taken with the man in red.

Bay Rivers Art Guild will host a booth with displayed art and a Christmas craft table for children.

“After the parade, everyone is invited to stick around downtown, visit the merchants in the area, enjoy coffee and hot chocolate, watch the lighting of the Christmas tree and visit with others,” Small said.

Hot dogs, popcorn and coffee are free.

The event is presented by the City of Daphne and is sponsored by Daphne Utilites, Jubilee Photography, Daphne Pediatric Dentistry and Starbucks.

“This parade means so much to the community,” Small said. “It has always been a great time for folks to get their family, churches, school organizations and friends together.

“It is truly one of my favorite events of the year.”