The holiday season is set to kick off in St. Peters on Friday night.

At 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16, at St. Peters City Hall, Santa and the lighting of the holiday tree will begin the 2012 holiday season. The event is free and open to the public. 

At the event, guests will hear music from the Hearts of Praise Christian Choir, directed by Debbie Green. One the event begins inside, guests will hear more holiday-themed musical performances by the Childbloom Guitar Program of St. Charles County, directed by Chris Peleshenko; the Fort Zumwalt East High School Orchestra, directed by Chris Torretta; the St. Peters Choral Society, directed by John Smith; and the Lindenwood Voices Only a capella group, directed by Professor Pamela Grooms.

Following the music, Mayor Len Pagano and the Board of Aldermen will lead the countdown to the annual lighting of the tree.

After the tree is lit, kids can visit with Santa Claus and watch a free showing of Santa Buddies.