GLADSTONE — Gladstone’s annual Old Fashioned Christmas is tonight.

The event will kick off with the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree, located outside city hall, at 5:30 p.m. Then, those attending the holiday celebration will have plenty of options for food and activities to get in the holiday spirit until 8 p.m. at downtown businesses.

In addition to the treats provided at Gladstone businesses, those attending the event will have a chance to warm up while making s’mores at burn barrels placed along Delta Avenue.

Activities for all ages during the Old Fashioned Christmas celebration include live music and a visit from Santa at the Farmer’s Market; a live nativity at the Gladstone Electric Department garage; temporary tattoos at D&D Dog Dynamics; a bean bag toss at Iverson’s Home Center; ornament decorating at Kiddo’s Korner; ornament making at the Gladstone Deli; kids games at Evangelical Covenant Church; a craft and a station for writing letters to Santa at city hall; and wagon rides throughout the downtown.

For those looking to commemorate the night and the start of the holiday season, multiple businesses will have photo opportunities. A photo backdrop will be set up at the Gladstone Professional Suites; a photo booth will be available at Great Lakes Credit Union; and Grinch-themed photo cutouts will be at Happy Rock Boutique.