The City of West Columbia is hosting the 14th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting 6:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 7, at West Columbia City Hall, 200 N. 12th Street, West Columbia.

Each year, West Columbia area elementary schools hold a “What Christmas Means To Me” contest. The essay winners from each school are recognized at the tree lighting and read their winning essays or poems.

In addition to the writing contest, there is a student artwork contest. The winning artwork entry will be featured on the cover of the event program. The top three entries will be displayed on the Art on State wall on the corner of State and Meeting Streets.

The program will include Christmas carols, greetings, and the lighting of the West Columbia Christmas Tree. Students from East Point Academy Elementary School Chorus, East Point Academy Middle School Chorus, Riverbank Elementary Chorus, and Grace Christian School String Ensemble will perform holiday classics. Radio and television personality Joe Pinner will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. The Christmas message will be given by Rev. Kenneth Taylor from Turner Memorial AME Church.

At the conclusion of the program, a reception will be held in the New Brookland Room of the West Columbia City Hall. Refreshments are provided by local West Columbia restaurants, organizations, and businesses.