Santa Lights the Tree Tonight at Carlmont Shopping Center

The Monday after Thanksgiving has taken on a tradition all its own at the Carlmont Shopping Center in Belmont.

Each year in the weeks leading up to this last Monday in November, lights and banners are hung throughout the center, and the main attraction, the huge "Belmont Christmas Tree" has been strung with multi-colored lights in anticipation of the official kickoff to the holiday season.

The festivities begin at 3:30 Monday afternoon with artisan displays and handmade crafts for sale, followed by a visit from Santa at 4:00.

Christmas carols will be performed by the Tri-School chorus from Notre Dame, Mercy and Serra high schools, and the Central, Notre Dame, Immaculate Heart of Mary elementary school choirs.

Then at 6:15, Santa will have the honor of lighting the Belmont Christmas tree.