Downtown Santa Barbara is getting ready to welcome the holiday season as the Downtown Christmas Tree was placed on State Street on Tuesday, kicking off a series of “Season of Cheer” events.

Although the tree has been installed on the 1300 block of State Street, it won’t be lit until the tree lighting and “Winter Wonderland” block party scheduled for Dec. 2.

In addition to the Christmas tree lighting, the free community event, taking place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. near The Arlington Theatre, will include a Santa meet and greet, performances by the San Marcos High School Marching Band, live music with DJ Darla Bea, arts and crafts, vendors, and more.

The “Season of Cheer” series will include several other events during November and December, such as the “Rock the Block: Friendsgiving Block Party” on Thursday, and the Holiday Candlelight Concert series with performances outside the Santa Barbara Museum of Art each Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. through Dec. 14 — except for Nov. 23.

More “Season of Cheer” events in downtown Santa Barbara can be found here.

Additionally, Goleta is hosting its annual holiday parade on Dec. 3, the Holiday on Milpas Street Parade is set for Dec. 10 and the 36th annual boat Parade of Lights is planned at the Santa Barbara Harbor on Dec. 11.

— Noozhawk staff writer Serena Guentz can be reached at sguentz@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.