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As it does every year, Jessamine County is planning for the holiday season.

The annual Christmas tree lighting will be held on Friday, Dec. 1, at 6 p.m. in front of the courthouse.

For this years-long tradition, Jessamine County residents have gathered around the courthouse to celebrate the season with the traditional Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

In addition to the tree lighting, Santa will be present and available to take photos with residents of all ages, free of charge. Music, hot cocoa and cookies will also be available. After the tree lighting at 7 p.m., the Performance Park on Main Street will have its last free concert until next summer. This one will be filled with songs of the season sung by

If anyone cannot attend, the lighting will be live-streamed on Jessamine County’s Facebook Page.

In addition to the night’s festivities, local children can send their Christmas lists to Santa once again.

The North Pole mailbox will be set up at the courthouse again this year. It will be available until Friday, Dec. 22. According to fiscal court staff, all letters will be promptly delivered to Santa after that Friday, just in time for Christmas.

“We always hope to bring fun and joy to the children and families of our community with the tree lighting, photos with Santa, and the letters as well. The Fiscal Court looks forward to holding this festive event every year for the community,” said Jessamine County Judge-Executive David West. “We look forward to seeing everyone out celebrating the holidays.”

For more information, visit www.jessamineco.com, “Like” Jessamine County, Kentucky on Facebook, or call (859) 885-4500.