Riverchase Galleria to hold 2016 tree lighting ceremony Friday night

The Riverchase Galleria will kick off the 2016 Christmas shopping season with its annual tree lighting event Friday night.

Entertainment begins at 6 p.m. on a stage in the center food court, and the lighting ceremony is set to start at 7 p.m.

Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey and NBC 13 news anchor Brooke Smith are scheduled to lead the festivities. Santa Claus is supposed to be there as well.

After the lighting ceremony, characters will be in front of Macy’s for photos and autographs, according to the mall’s website.