In less than a week, once the dust of Black Friday settles, the city of Selma will shine a little brighter this holiday season.

Holding onto a lasting tradition, the city will hold its official lighting of the Christmas tree ceremony Thursday, Dec. 1 at 4:30 p.m. in front of Selma City Hall. The ceremony, which will include a local band performance, Christmas singing by area students, Christmas messages and more, will invite visitors and former residents to come “home for the holidays.”

Selma City Ward 8 councilman Corey Bowie said the event not only encourages the Christmas spirit among residents but it demonstrates the real meaning of Christmas.

“I personally get involved because it reminds me of the real reason for the season, from a spiritual perspective,” Bowie said. “It unifies the city during the Christmas season. A lot of people get caught up with the commercialization of it but I like to promote, ‘let’s keep Christ in Christmas.’”

Last year’s event held an awards presentation for winners of the city’s downtown window decoration contest and a performance from Selma High School concert band. Hot chocolate and cookies were available for guests, and Selma Mayor George Evans brought in the Christmas season with the flipping of the switch on the tree.

“It’s (about) community support and it’s a traditional thing prior to the Christmas parade,” Evans said. “We look forward to it and it’s a kickoff to the holiday season.”

The city will hold its annual Selma-Dallas County Christmas Parade, Saturday, Dec. 3 at 9 a.m. on Broad Street. Line up begins at 8 a.m. For more information about the tree lighting or the parade call 874-2111 or 875-7241.