MARS — The kick-off to the holiday season will light up the borough on Dec. 7.

Nan McCormick, the treasurer at the Adams Area Fire District, has again coordinated Light-Up Night in Mars.

The event will start at 5 p.m., when the parade will proceed down Beaver and Pittsburgh streets and then onto Grand Avenue.

McCormick said firetrucks, floats, the Mars Fightin’ Planets Marching Band and other groups will participate in the parade.

After the marching and candy-throwing conclude, the fire district will provide hot dogs, hot chocolate and coffee to hungry revelers in the chilly town square.

The most anticipated part of the evening comes when Santa himself leads the crowd in the countdown to lighting the borough’s Christmas tree in the town park.

Santa will listen to the wishes of the youngsters in the crowd, whether naughty or nice, after the tree is illuminated.

McCormick said the 10-year-old event usually draws about 1,000 people. She said floats still can be entered in the parade by calling her at 724-316-2360.