Everyone is invited to gather as Santa Claus makes his first official visit of 2009 to Ponca City to turn on the holiday lights.

The popular group of Mike Mott, Bruce Evans and Richard Winterrowd will provide Christmas music and help guide Santa Claus to Centennial Plaza. T.L. Walker and Zack Robinson will read the traditional Christmas story "'Twas the Night Before Christmas."

The Fire Department will pick Santa up and bringing him to Centennial Plaza to turn on the holiday lights.

The Salvation Army will be providing hot chocolate and coffee for the event.

Santa has a special mail box for letters from Ponca City children.

Letters to Santa may be brought the night of the tree lighting to the Santa Mail Box located at City Hall. Santa's Mail Box will remain at City Hall during normal business hours until Dec. 21.