**The annual lighting of Lincoln City’s Christmas tree will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Lincoln City Cultural Center.**

By Oregon Coast TODAY

The Lincoln City Cultural Center will transform into a bustling hub of art, music and holiday cheer on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 28-29.

The festivities begin Friday with the beloved Make-n-Take Ornament Workshop in the Underground Art Lab. Meanwhile, upstairs, 32 local and regional artists will unveil booths filled with blown glass, pottery, paintings, metalwork, driftwood art, jewelry and other one-of-a-kind gifts — perfect for early Christmas shopping.

By mid-afternoon, acoustic guitarist Richard Paris will fill the plaza with music. As daylight begins to fade, the Sweet Adelines will gather onstage, harmonizing through classic carols and ushering in one of Lincoln City’s most treasured traditions — the annual tree lighting ceremony. At 5 p.m., the crowd will join in for the countdown, the 30-foot tree will blaze into life and Santa himself will arrive moments later, greeting every child with the patience of a true holiday veteran. Kenny’s IGA keeps the celebration warm with complimentary cookies and hot chocolate.

This year’s tree lighting ceremony comes with a constellation of “firsts.” Surrounding the tree will be the newly completed Lincoln City Cosmography made with thousands of hand-placed tiles depicting 64 different facets of coastal life. Inside, guests can explore the new Brick Gallery’s special Holiday Lego exhibit, wander through the Fiber Arts Gallery’s Turkish Rug display or meet the cultural center’s new executive director, Serena Dressel, celebrating her first tree lighting with the community.

The vendor fair continues Saturday in the auditorium. Refuel with the Canales Taco Truck, Oregon Fishmongers or the Bakery Babes Bake Sale — staffed by volunteer SeaGals and armed with dangerously delicious homemade treats.

Live music on the Main Stage will be provided by the Georgia Bells followed by North of Nowhere, the acoustic duo of Dave Conway and Woody Woods. And at 3:30 p.m., festivalgoers will gather eagerly for the awarding of the raffle prizes: a stunning chainsaw-carved piece by award-winning artist James Lukinich, along with donated handcrafted art from festival artists.

Friday’s events begin at noon and Saturday’s events at 10:30 a.m. at the Lincoln City Cultural Center. For more information, go to www.lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.