Alpharetta Lights its Christmas Tree during Sunday Celebration.

Alpharetta will light its Christmas Tree in downtown at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4. The celebration will take place in the Milton Square City Park at Milton Avenue and Main Street.

The celebration began in 1977 with about 100 people gathered around a 6-foot live blue spruce tree. Alpharetta’s annual holiday event has grown to approximately 3,000 people celebrating the lighting of the 45-foot tree.

“The Christmas Tree Lighting has brought the Alpharetta community together for years,” said Mayor Arthur Letchas. “It is a perfect time to enjoy the simple traditions of holiday season.”

Mayor Letchas and his wife, Sally, will read the children’s classic book, ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, on the main stage for the last time, as Letchas leaves the mayor's post with the end of his term on Dec. 31.

An entertainment program will feature live music and caroling with James Casto. Visitors can enjoy holiday performances by Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department Rhythm n’ Shoes Dance Program, and Alpharetta Christian Academy Children’s Chorus.

Alpharetta’s Christmas tree will come aglow with 10,000 twinkling lights at approximately 5:40 pm, just before the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus on a City of Alpharetta fire truck, which has been a local tradition since the first event thirty-two years ago. Children can talk with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the park gazebo. A North Fulton Jaycee’s volunteer will be on hand to help take free online photos, or parents may bring their cameras to take photos.

On Milton Square City Park, entertainment will consist of strolling elves creating free balloon sculptures, lighted train rides, glow necklaces and holiday crafts provided by City of Alpharetta; and free  face painting provided by Milton High School’s Interact Club. The shops and restaurants of Historic Downtown Alpharetta will also feature holiday activities so make sure to visit the local businesses.

The Christmas Tree Lighting is free to the public. Free parking is available at City Hall and Milton Center (the old Milton High School). The event owes its success, in part, to the generous volunteerism of the Dr. James J. Awbrey IV, D.M.D and Staff, Milton High School Interact Club, Milton High School Key Club, North Fulton Jaycees, and Hopewell Middle School Jr. Beta Club. For more information, visit www.alpharetta.ga.us or phone 678-297-6078.