LISBON FALLS — The Lisbon Promotions Committee will host its fourth annual Very Merry Main Street event on Saturday, Dec. 1, commencing with the arrival of Santa Claus and the lighting of the Christmas tree at MTM Community Center on School Street. The event is scheduled to run from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

For the second year in a row, the tree lighting and Santa’s arrival will take place at the MTM Center. Previously, the tree lighting had been held at Gazebo Park on Route 196.

The annual Very Merry Main Street event was founded by the Promotions Committee in 2009 as a means of drawing attention to the retailers and other businesses and organizations located in downtown Lisbon Falls. Several of those businesses open their doors in an open-house style format to welcome visitors with refreshments and entertainment at various locations, while the downtown’s retailers offer special sales and promotions.

“It’s a great chance to support our traditional commercial districts, and learn more about what they offer to our community,” said Ross Cunningham, chairman of the Promotions Committee. “It’s also a chance for friends and neighbors to get together and welcome the holiday season to Lisbon.”

The festivities will kick off at the MTM Center performance pavilion at 4:30 p.m. with caroling and refreshments offered by the members of the Lisbon Falls Baptist Church. At 5 p.m., Santa Claus will arrive to herald the start of the Christmas season in Lisbon by lighting the new Christmas tree behind the community center.

Once the tree lighting is complete, Santa will adjourn to a small slice of the North Pole, located inside the community center, where attendees young and old will have the chance to view Christmas displays and have their picture taken with St. Nick. Proceeds from the $5 per picture fee will go to support the costs of the event. The North Pole will be open from 5 to 7 p.m.

Inside the MTM community center there will also be a selection of Christmas trees and wreaths that will be raffled off at the end of the evening. Attendees can purchase raffle tickets at the door for their chance to win a decorated tree or wreath that has been donated by local Lisbon businesses. WQRY will be broadcasting live and Benoit’s Bakery will be offering Christmas treats.

Meanwhile, a horse drawn carriage will transport attendees from the MTM Center to the business open-houses along Main Street and Route 196. A promotional card will encourage attendees to visit participating businesses and earn a chance in a drawing for a holiday gift basket. Among the other attractions will be musical performances by Present Company at Drapeau’s Costumes of Maine and Rick Graham with special guest Malinda Liberty at Tangles Hair and Tanning.

Kids will also have the opportunity to make their own Christmas ornaments at the Masonic Lodge and at the Lisbon Library. All downtown events will occur between 5 and 7 p.m.

At 6 p.m., Pine Knoll Landscaping will debut this year’s fantastic coordinated light and sound holiday display at 143 Lisbon St., Lisbon. This event will cap off an open house that will run all weekend at Pine Knoll.

For more information call Lisbon Development Director Scott Benson at 353-3000, ext. 122.