Aurorans can kick off the holiday season in the city with several city-sponsored events throughout December.

From visiting Santa to story time with the Grinch, Aurora will be bustling with activities for its residents to celebrate the season, according to a city newsletter with a list of events for Aurora residents to attend.

Events are sponsored by the city’s Library and Cultural Services Department, Office of International and Immigrant Affairs and Aurora Police Department and include a “series of activities to make a positive impact on our community during this season of gratitude and giving,” according to the newsletter.

One of the first events of the season, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, is the annual holiday tree lighting event, which the newsletter calls a “magical celebration.”

The tree lighting is just the beginning, and other events that last through December include the following:

• The Nutcracker Ballet, 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2 and 3, Aurora Fox Arts Theater, 9900 E. Colfax Ave. The family-friendly show is presented by Aurora Dance Arts.
• Santa in the Park, starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 , Spencer Garrett Park, 11008 E. 17th Ave. Event includes a mobile food market, haircuts for youth, baby supplies and toys, free shoes for all ages, and more.
• Merry Makers Market, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday Dec. 5,  Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway.: one-stop shopping event with products from local and regional vendors.
• Storytime with the Grinch/Toy Drive, at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Saturday Dec. 9 , Tallyn’s Reach Library, 23911 E. Arapahoe Rd.: toy drive for families in need and story time with the Grinch followed by photos, hot chocolate, cookies and holiday crafts.
• Storytime with Santa/Toy Drive, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway: toy drive for families in need, story time with Santa and Mrs. Claus followed by photos, hot chocolate, cookies and holiday crafts.
• Angel Trees, participating locations are Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway, Mission Viejo Library, 15324 E. Hampden Circle, Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave., Hoffman Heights Library, 1298 Peoria St., and Tallyn’s Reach Library, 23911 E. Arapahoe Road: Angel Tree tags will include information about a toy for a family in need. The tag and purchased toy must be returned to the library by Dec. 13.