Palo Alto plans to usher in the holiday season this Friday with a Holiday Tree Lighting event in the city's most prominent downtown plaza.

The second annual event will be held at Lytton Plaza starting at 4:30 p.m. and will feature music from the Cantabile Children's Chorus and the Keys School Chorus.

Residents will also have a chance to support those in need by bringing donations of warm blankets, coats and gift cards for groceries to the plaza, with items collected by the Opportunity Center and the Downtown Streets Team.

Vice Mayor Greg Scharff will flip the switch at 5:30 p.m. to light the city's decorated tree. The event will be held rain or shine, so visitors are encouraged to bring their rain gear, if necessary.

For more information about the event, visit cityofpaloalto.org.

— Palo Alto Weekly staff

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