Roanoke County will kick off a festive holiday season with the illumination of Roanoke County’s beautifully decorated Christmas Tree on Monday, December 7, 2015, from 6 pm to 8 pm, at South County Library located at 6303 Merriman Road.

This FREE, family-focused evening will begin with an official Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 pm. Complete with Christmas Carols performed by the Penn Forest Elementary School “After School for Kids” (ASK) program.

This year’s theme, “Storybook Christmas” will reintroduce families to classic childhood Christmas tales. Visitors young and old will make new memories as they experience these wonderful stories through story time, crafts and music. The Night Before Christmas, The Nutcracker, A Charlie Brown Christmas and the Grinch Who Stole Christmas will come alive this evening. Evvy the Grandma Elf will return this year with storytelling, music and magic. Also back by popular demand is an American favorite, marshmallow roasting, which will add to the light holiday refreshments being served during the evening. The most important event, of course, will be a personal visit with Santa! Children will also have a photo opportunity in Santa’s sleigh! Don’t forget the camera to capture all the wonderful smiling faces and Christmas cheer created during the evening.

This FREE event is sponsored by Roanoke County’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism in collaboration with South County library. For more information, call Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism at 540-387-6078 ext. 0 or visit www.RoanokeCountyParks.com