Sydney Christmas tree to be lit tonight

The Sydney waterfront will shine brighter tonight when the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony takes place on the lower level of the civic centre.

The family event that kicks off at 6:30 p.m. and includes caroling, free hot chocolate, cider and goodies. Even Santa Claus will be there and the word is that the Jolly One will be collecting Christmas wish lists from all the boys and girls.

An LED holiday light exchange will also be held. People can trade two sets of old, incandescent holiday lights for one new set of energy-efficient LEDs, courtesy of Efficiency Nova Scotia.

The Sydney Santa Claus parade will be held Saturday. For the second straight year the parade will be an evening affair. It is scheduled to start at Whitney Pier Memorial school and work its way down Victoria Road, Disco Street, Prince Street, George Street and Ferry Street before finishing at Open Hearth Park.