Porterdale Better Hometown Director Patti Battle recently announced the city's lighting of the tree ceremony will take place at approximately 8 p.m. Dec. 6.

The lighting of the giant red and gold ornamented tree atop the Porterdale Mill Lofts can be viewed across Main Street from the lofts.

The evening will also include a visit from Santa and holiday music.

"For the first time ever," Battle said, "Santa will be making an appearance on Main Street in Porterdale, arriving in his sleigh pulled by his trusty team of reindeer."

Santa's sleigh, pulled by live reindeer, will be lead down Main Street by the Alcovy High School Marching Band.

Children will be allowed to sit in Santa's sleigh for pictures.

Porterdale Church choirs and other local entertainers such as Porterdale City Council member Kay Piper will sing Christmas carols throughout the evening.

Festivities will last until 9 p.m.

From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Dec. 7 residents can enjoy music and dance including a performance by members of the Covington Ballet.

To round out the weekend, a day-long Christmas in the Village event is scheduled from noon to 9 p.m. Dec. 8.

Porterdale's Christmas in the Village will feature entertainment by local dance troupes and bands, food and craft vendors and merchant specials.

Battle also reminded parents they can bring their children to the mill for breakfast with Santa on Friday and Saturday mornings until Dec. 22.

Latte Da Coffee and Dessert Bar at the mill will host the breakfasts from 8:45 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Admission is $30 for the first child and $25 for additional children. The price includes breakfast, a picture with Santa, a goody bag and craft candle.