Saturday you can be a part of an age-old Tacoma holiday tradition - one of the few that has survived Tacoma through the ages: the Great Depression, World War II, the 1980s. Tacoma's tree lighting ceremony is a tradition that dates back almost 100 years, but since 1945, the giant tree has stood proud at Ninth and Broadway.

"This month's Holiday Tree Lighting represents 67 years since the Tacoma's Theater District and Fort Lewis have collaborated to kick off the holiday season," says Broadway Center Executive Director David Fischer. "At the end of World War II, the soldiers at Fort Lewis wanted to thank the citizens of Tacoma for their support during the war by contributing a giant tree for all to enjoy at the holiday time. That generous string of trees has gone unbroken in the same manner that the relationship between the soldiers and Tacomans has remained strong."

For many moons, the tree lighting has been paired with an afternoon show. This year the Broadway Center brings back the popular Sound of Music Sing Along at 2 p.m. inside the Pantages Theater. Dress up as Maria or your favorite von Trapp for a chance at a best costume prize. Otherwise, get ready to follow the bouncing ball to pure Sound of Music bliss. Tickets to the show are $24.

The tree lighting ceremony kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Huddle under an awning or sip hot cocoa and cider in the Pantages Lobby. Santa will be there, working the crowd, taking photos and will help flip the switch on the tree. This part of the evening is free and open to all.

PANTAGES THEATER, SOUND OF MUSIC SING ALONG & 67TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING, 2 P.M. FILM, 5:30 P.M. LIGHTING, SATURDAY, NOV. 24, 901 BROADWAY, TACOMA, 253.591.5894

LINK: Deep background on the Tacoma Tree Lighting ceremony