Aurora will illuminate the city’s Christmas tree with thousands of light strands and ring in the holiday season Tuesday night with activities for all ages.

The city’s annual holiday tree lighting event takes place at the Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy. from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Admission is free.

Before and after the tree lighting, the event will have holiday-themed activities, sweet treats, light displays, live performances and a visit from Santa, according to the city’s website.

Attendees can watch performances from Aurora Dance Hearts, the Wicked Pitches and Timberline Elementary School Choir, walk through Santa’s workshop, and treat themselves to hot chocolate, cookies and other “delightful surprises,” the city’s website said.

There will be free onsite parking at the municipal center, available in the east side parking lot and in the lower south parking lot in front of the Great Lawn.

No pets, glass bottles, outside alcohol or firearms are allowed on the premise.

In addition to the outdoor festivities, a Merry Makers Market will be open inside Aurora Central Library. The market is open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is a “one-stop shopping event” for holiday shoppers, with a variety of local and regional vendors.

The 26th annual Festival of Wreaths is also ongoing and the wreaths are on display in the Aurora History Museum’s community gallery until Dec. 5. The museum will be open from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.

More information about the event is available on the city’s website.