The city of Aurora will be kicking off the holiday season virtually this year, live streaming the usually in-person Holiday Tree Lighting with the Aurora Holiday Sparkle event.

The event will be held virtually as a safety precaution because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, 1 in 41 Coloradans are infected with the virus, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

The tree lighting ceremony will include performances by Santa and live reindeer, dancers from the Aurora Dance program and professional ice carvers.

Demand for Christmas trees are at an all-time high local sellers say

Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman will conclude the event by switching on the holiday tree lights of the Aurora Municipal Center.

“This is a thoughtfully designed event that brings virtual fun to life right to your home for you and your family to enjoy,” said Alexa Lubel with the city. “The event is virtual, but the fun is real.”

The ceremony will be held on Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. It will be live-streamed on Facebook and AuroraTV.org and broadcasted on cable channels 880 and 8.