November is officially in full swing, and that can only mean one thing: It’s holiday season! Sure, Thanksgiving happens sometime soon, too, but who cares about a little bit of turkey? The festive commercials have started, stockings are being hung, and Santa has moved onto checking his list for the second time.

And what better way to begin celebrating Christmas (a month and a half early) than attending the annual State College tree lighting ceremony?

Per usual, the tree lighting ceremony will happen tonight at the corner of Allen St. and College Ave. at 5:30 p.m. There will be free hot chocolate and cookies for all who stop by, free of charge. Although this is the earliest the tree has ever been lit, the event has been moved up in order to coincide with another State College event, First Friday.

If any child under age 12 brings a canned good or a toy for the State College Area Food Bank or Toys for Tots, they will be entered for a chance to help Santa light the tree! Although college students are unfortunately not considered children, they can still bring a donation for a good cause.