Holiday lights will illuminate Atascadero’s Sunken Gardens starting Friday — and the community is invited to celebrate.

A free countdown event marking the lighting of the trees begins at 6 p.m. at the Atascadero Main Street stage on Palma Avenue in front of the historic City Administration Building, according to a city news release.

Santa will ride in on a vintage fire truck to meet with the public on the holiday lighting stage, where city staff will ser ve hot chocolate. Face painting will be available with $3 donations accepted. The Atascadero Community Band and the Atascadero High School Show and Concert choirs will also perform.

Atascadero’s Community Services Department and several local donors organized the effort.

The evening will coincide with the Atascadero Main Street Art and Wine Tour, which is from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., for wine, food and music among the local merchants downtown.