Downtown Alton lights up for the holidays on Friday, Nov. 21. Alton Main Street will host the Annual Community Tree Lighting at Lincoln-Douglas Square. The fun starts with the arrival of Santa Claus at 6 p.m.. The free festivities including caroling, cookies and hot cocoa will continue until 6:45 PM when Mayor David Goins flips the lights on the beautiful tree, which is provided by the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club. Families are encouraged to bring their cameras to take free photos with Santa and costumed holiday characters.

Carols will fill the air throughout the evening from local Girl Scouts troops and the Great Rivers Choral Society, and there will be a blessing of the tree.

Between the hours of 5:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m., free trolley transportation will be provided between Lincoln-Douglas Square and the corner of 3rd & Belle Streets. Following the Tree Lighting, the public is invited to enjoy free horse and carriage rides.

Make a night of it and enjoy the fun activities in the district while patronizing the downtown merchants for your holiday shopping.