Hundreds of people are expected to gather Saturday night at Sarnia's Centennial Park.
The annual Celebration of Lights display will be turned on by Santa himself.
Board Chair Dean Holtz said the festivities will kick off with some live holiday music.
"It starts with a one hour Christmas carol concert," said Holtz. "At the end of that, Santa comes in and he counts down the turning on of the lights and when that happens, fireworks go off. It's the same fireworks company out of Toronto that does the fireworks for Canada Day so we really are trying to give the community an excellent event."
Holtz said the big guy will stick around afterwards to take photos with the kids.
"Free photos by Theresa Chalmers photography, she does this completely free for our organization, and prints off professional photos of Santa and their families," he said.
The free family-friendly event is a holiday tradition in Sarnia dating back 41 years.
"People really take it and enjoy themselves," said Holtz. "And I know I've said this before, but a lot of people have told us they see this as the start of their Christmas season for them."
Opening ceremonies will begin at 5 p.m. at the Suncor Agora.
There will also be free horse and wagon rides and hot beverages provided by Black Water Coffee Co. and Imperial Oil.
The over 50 lights displays will be on every evening throughout the holiday season until New Year's Day.
