The official state Christmas tree is scheduled for lighting in front of the state Capitol in Montgomery.
Gov. Robert Bentley, first lady Dianne Bentley and members of the Garden Club of Alabama are supposed to turn on the lights in a ceremony that begins at 5:15 p.m. Friday.
The state's official Christmas tree this year is a 35-foot eastern red cedar grown in Bullock County. It was donated by Elisabeth Thompson, who owns Feathers Plantation in Fitzpatrick.
After the tree lighting, the city of Montgomery will hold its Christmas parade at 6 p.m. The parade will be along Dexter Avenue, which ends in front of the Capitol.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.