Santa Claus and the Sugar Land Mayor James Thompson will officially light the Town Center Christmas tree to kick off the holiday season today from 5-8 pm tonight at Sugar Land Town Square. All activities are free, with the tree lighting tentatively set for 7:30 p.m.

The sixth annual Christmas Tree-Lighting event will include family festivities and a few surprises from Santa as he makes his grand entrance. Local businesses will offer children's activities, including face painting, free holiday photo stations and festive giveaways before the lighting ceremony.

Performers will include Sugar Land Super Star winner Melanie Finley, local church choirs and orchestras, and the Austin High School drum line. Stilt walkers and jugglers, sponsored by Sugar Creek Baptist Church, will add to the entertainment.

The highlight will be the arrival of Santa, who makes a point of arriving a different way each year. In the past, for example, he came in a gift box that was unwrapped and another year he arrived via a cable. Santa will be available for photos in Town Square beginning at 5 p.m.

To help Santa make his grand entrance and to avoid traffic congestion, a free shuttle service will run from Mercer Stadium, 16403 Lexington Blvd. and Austin Parkway, to Town Square.

Parking will also be available in the Texas and Lone Star garages in the Town Square.