The Johnson Center for the Arts will host its annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony tonight and Thursday night in the art center’s Gibson Family Gallery.

Vicki Pritchett, center director, said traditionally the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony has been held on one night but this year, two ceremonies are planned in order to accommodate the large number of people who attend.

The Rev. Steve Winton, First United Methodist Church, will share the message of the true meaning of the Christmas Story at both ceremonies and the children’s choirs from local churches and schools will share the stories of the season in song.

Tonight, the children’s choirs from First Methodist Church in Troy will perform a 6 p.m. and Goshen Elementary School at 6:25. The Rev. Steve Winton will speak at 6:50 p.m. and the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be at 7 p.m. The St. Paul A.M.E. Church children’s choir will perform at 7:05 p.m.

On Thursday night, the Troy Elementary School choir will perform at 6 p.m. and the Pike Liberal Arts School choir at 6:25 p.m. Winton will speak at 6:50 p.m. and the Tree Lighting Ceremony will be at 7 p.m.  First Missionary Baptist Church in Troy will perform at 7:05 p.m. and Pike County High School’s choir at 7:30 p.m.

“The children’s and youth choirs share the message of Christmas and the holiday season in such a wonderful way,” Pritchett said. “We wanted their families to be able to see and hear them perform. Having the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on two nights makes that possible.”

Pritchett said the music will be enhanced by the playing of the 100-year-old Baby Grand piano.

“The singing of the Christmas carols sets the mood for the holiday season,” she said. “We invite the public to attend our Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and hear the story of Christmas in word and through the voices of children.”