The start of the festive season will be celebrated in the Redlands with the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree in Cleveland’s Library Square, on the corner of Bloomfield and Middle streets, on Friday, 1 December.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the event, run by Redland City Council, would include plenty of free Christmas fun and entertainment.

“We have a lovely free family occasion planned to mark the start of the festive season in the Redlands,’’ Cr Williams said.

“The evening will kick off with the Christmas on Bloomfield Market from 4pm, with kids’ activities continuing in the Cleveland Library until about 7pm.

“Families can join in the fun of writing letters to Santa and star weaving for the very worthy One Million Stars to End Violence project, which aims to help families affected by domestic and family violence.

“There also will be a visit from Santa and his real reindeer, so families will have an opportunity to get a photo with them before the countdown to the lighting of our wonderful community Christmas tree.

“Performers will be on stage and roving among the crowd throughout the evening.”

Santa’s visit will be from 6pm, with the lighting of the tree from 7pm.

Bloomfield Street, Cleveland, will be closed (from Middle Street to Queen Street) to vehicles from 1.30pm to 8.30pm on Friday 1 December for the Twilight Markets which run from 4pm to 8pm.

The event is sponsored by First 5 Forever and Stockland Cleveland.

Youngsters also can head to their Redland Library to write letters to Santa and make stars for the One Million Stars to End Violence project in the two weeks leading up to the event. You also can find out more about the libraries’ First 5 Forever family literacy program.

Keep an eye on council’s Facebook page and www.redland.qld.gov.au for updates.