The public is invited to the annual Gig Harbor Tree Lighting event, Sat. December 5 from 5-7:30 p.m. at Skansie Brothers Park in historic downtown Gig Harbor.

Sponsored by the City of Gig Harbor and CenturyLink, this annual event heralds the arrival of Santa and the official lighting of the 40-foot tall tree donated by Fort Lewis.

This year’s event includes music by the Peninsula Community Chorus and hot spiced cider and cookies, courtesy of the Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association. In addition, Tahvi the reindeer will be back for the third year in a row, and the HarborWildWatch group will be presenting “Peer at the Pier” a nighttime sea critter exploration.

Learn more at www.gigharborguide.com.