Roanoke County will kick off a festive holiday season with the illumination of Roanoke County's beautifully decorated themed Christmas Tree on Monday, December 8, 2014, from 6 pm to 8 pm, at Green Ridge Recreation Center, located at 7415 Wood Haven Road, Roanoke, Virginia.

The FREE, family-focused evening will begin with an official Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 pm, including a special musical performance by members of the Oak Grove Elementary School "After School for Kids" (ASK) program.

This year's theme, "It's A Worldwide Christmas!" will introduce families to Christmas traditions from around the world. Popular traditions from Australia, Greece, India, and England are just a few of the countries that families will be able to experience inside the recreation center following the Christmas Tree lighting. Visitors will be able to enjoy making "wooden shoes" similar to those made in Germany or paper lanterns used to decorate Christmas trees in China. Evvy the Grandma Elf will return this year with storytelling, music and magic. Also back by popular demand is an American favorite, marshmallow roasting to go with the light 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 memories created during the evening.

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