The Holiday Season officially begins Thursday night in Jefferson City and the Cherry Hill Business District of Columbia.

In the Capital City, the mayor lights the tree at Rotary Centennial Park, at the end of Bolivar Street, at 6:00 p.m. Thursday.

In Columbia, a man whose expansive holiday lighting plans outgrew the crowds at his home will unveil what he calls the Magic Tree at 5:30 p.m.

That tree has nearly 38,000 lights. Thursday night's event will include carriage rides, carols and a visit by Santa.