Downtown Kenmore will shine brightly to begin the holiday season as the city celebrates the Kenmore Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market on Saturday, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This event is one of the longest-running Kenmore traditions, bringing together multiple generations of Kenmore friends and families. Every year, this free family-friendly event invites the community to gather around the large tree outside of City Hall, which is decorated with colorful strings of lights.

This year, the festival will feature live entertainment by local bands, choirs, and dancers. Attendees will also have the chance to decorate ornaments, cut out snowflakes, have their faces painted and visit the Holiday Market in the Hangar at Town Square.

Following Santa’s arrival and the tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. in front of City Hall, attendees are encouraged to have their photos taken with Santa at Kenmore Camera. Live performances will continue inside and outside of City Hall until 7 p.m.

“With the completion of the sidewalks along NE 181st Street, the Tolt Trail improvements, and the Town Square and Hangar, downtown Kenmore is becoming more welcoming and walkable,” said Mayor David Baker in a press release. “With the addition of the Holiday Market in 2016, I’m proud to say Kenmore is showing more support for our local entrepreneurs.”

For more information, www.kenmorewa.gov/events.