BOWMANVILLE -- Historical downtown Bowmanville will kick off the Yuletide season with the Moonlight Magic tree-lighting ceremony Friday, Dec. 5.

The evening features a free children's concert by musical duo Terri and Rick, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the corner of King and Temperance streets. That will be followed by a carol sing-along at 7 p.m., then the community tree-lighting at 7:15 p.m. A special guest from the North Pole will join representatives of the Municipality, the local ministerial association and other guests on stage for the lighting of the tree.

Also part of the activities will be horse-drawn wagon rides, strolling carollers, festive foods and shopping in close to 100 shops and businesses in downtown Bowmanville.

Admission and parking are free and stores will stay open until 11 p.m.

This year's Moonlight Magic event includes an opportunity for households to exchange up to two old strings of incandescent Christmas lights for up to two free strings of LED lighting. The lights are available from Veridian Connections while supplies last.

Downtown visitors are invited to bring non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army Food Bank, which will accept donations in the Bank of Montreal parking lot.

Other attractions include hot apple cider and cookies from Tyrone Mill, Happy the Clown with roasted chestnuts, Poppalotta Popcorn and hot chocolate provided by the Bowmanville Lions Club. There will also be additional entertainment.

Moonlight Magic kicks off the Christmas celebrations in downtown Bowmanville. Santa, his elves and reindeer will be on hand Dec. 6, 12, and 20 from 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m. Metered parking will be free beginning Dec. 15. As well, weekend shoppers will be treated to Christmas carols form the carillon at St. John's Anglican Church.