The Portal Heritage Society and Town of Portal will host its annual Christmas celebration Thursday, Dec. 7, starting with a parade.

Portal City Clerk Mike Arrieta said this is the first year the Town of Portal will have a Christmas parade, and it is expected to be an annual event. The parade starts at 4:30 p.m. with lineup at 4 p.m. at the intersection of Old Portal Highway and Hwy. 80 West.

Afterward, there will be a tree lighting ceremony at the Portal City Hall.

 Santa will appear at the historic E.C. Carter Turpentine Still, with the Portal Heritage Society hosting further celebration events, said Portal Heritage Society President Timothy Cook.

The celebration at the still begins at 6 p.m., with Portal Elementary School students singing Christmas carols, followed by a performance by the Portal High School band, he said.

Santa Claus arrives at 7 p.m. at the still site, and hot dogs, cookies and juice will be served, Cook said.

 The public is invited to all parts of the celebration.