The Kent Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the city’s annual Festival of Lights in downtown Kent at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.

The Festival of Lights has free admission, so students, residents and other community members can go downtown and enjoy the activities that the Chamber of Commerce has planned for Saturday.

“The Dickens Carolers, from The Light Church, will entertain the crowd by singing holiday favorites and getting everyone ready for the big moment (the arrival of Santa),” said Lori Wemhoff, executive director of the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce.

At 6 p.m., Mayor Jerry Fiala, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will arrive via train. Santa will be taking Christmas wishes from people of all ages. Families are encouraged to come early, as pictures are first come, first serve.

There will also be horse drawn carriage rides from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The rides start at Hometown Bank Plaza, travels all the way through downtown and end at the Hometown Bank Plaza.

“(There will be) hot chocolate, courtesy of Tree City Coffee and Pastry, and cookies from Kent Junior Mothers are available, starting at 6 p.m. … until supplies last,” Wemhoff said.

The event will last until 8 p.m. For more information, check out kentbiz.com.

Nathaniel Harvey is the activities reporter, contact him at [email protected].