GLADSTONE — The holiday season kicks off in Gladstone Friday with the annual Old-Fashioned Christmas event and the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree.

The tree lighting will kick off the family-friendly evening at 5:30 p.m. Following the lighting, those participating in the festivities will be released into Gladstone’s downtown, where a number of activities are taking place at local businesses.

Businesses participating in the evening and activities include:

Saunders Point Brewing — A station for writing letters to Santa, a Kiwanis-sponsored craft and a Salvation Army Angel Tree

Gladstone American Legion — Cookie decorating and cards for veterans

Brampton Bike & Ski — Cookies and cider

Gladstone Deli — Ornament painting and “Grinch Punch”

Dance It UP! — Nutcracker dancers and photos

D&D Dog Dynamics — Temporary tattoos

Farmers Market — A chance to meet Santa and listen to live music

Dairy Flo — Ice cream (free for kids with “Santa Passes”)

Frame Farm — Chocolate treats

Great Lakes First Federal Credit Union — Hot chocolate and photos with the Grinch

Superbloom Coffee House — Treats and drinks

Waters Edge Chiropractic — Cookies and hot chocolate

The Dew Drop Family Restaurant — Reindeer Chow

Happy Rock Boutique — A gift basket drawing and Christmas tattoos

St. Vincent de Paul — Cider and cookies

Iverson’s — Soup, desserts, games and prizes

Trotters Floral — Crafts

Evangelicals Covenant Church — Kids games

Domino’s Pizza — Games and giveaways

Darmogray Jewelers — Diamond earring giveaway

In addition, Delta Avenue will host burn barrels with the fixings to make s’mores, wagon rides, and Salvation Army Red Kettle bell ringers.

The evening will conclude at 8 p.m.

Gladstone Old-Fashioned Christmas is sponsored by the Gladstone Downtown Development Authority, the city of Gladstone, A1 Septic, Aderman Flooring, Rodney Bricker, and the Delta County Chamber of Commerce.