By Special to the Town Crier

The annual tree-lighting celebration will officially ring in, and light up, the holiday season in downtown Los Altos with a celebration scheduled to begin 6 p.m., Friday, at the Community Plaza, corner of Main and State streets.

Music director Michael Morris and the Los Altos United Methodist Church Merry Makers join young singers from Almond School and Mountain View’s Huff School Chorus to perform seasonal favorites. Morris coordinated the program for the 2001 Tree Lighting Ceremony and will join Kay DeVries to perform as this year’s guest soloists.

Morris has worked as a professional musician in the Bay Area for more than 20 years. He has performed with many Bay Area companies, including Schola Cantorum and the Oakland Symphony Chorus. Newly named Mayor Francis La Poll, who began his role Monday, will preside over the event.

The Los Altos Village Association coordinates the festivities, which include a sing-along, children’s activities, prize-giveaways and free train rides on a children’s locomotive, courtesy of the American Legion.

Many local businesses will be offering hot cider and treats to their customers, according to the Village Association.