The city of Fairburn is knee-deep in preparation for its annual tree lighting — although Santa and the lit tree are coming earlier this year.

Tree lighting festivities will be Saturday at 6 p.m., in the area next door to Oz Pizza in downtown Fairburn.

Live musical performances from the local group the Langston Hughes Band as well as choirs from the nearby elementary schools, Campbell and E.C. West, will be featured, along with hot chocolate, cookies and an appearance from Santa for the children.

New surprises are in store, according to city administrator Tom Barber.

Fireworks, slated for around 7 p.m., will conclude the evening of holiday festivities and music. The display will last for about nine minutes total and will be launched from the football field of Landmark High School, directly across the street from where residents will gather for the tree lighting. Barber said in the more than 10 years the tree lighting has been done in the city, participation from residents has been low.

“We are trying to build the event,” he said. “That has been my focus. We are sending flyers home with the elementary school kids, distributing the flyer through an electronic newsletter and doing a little television coverage.”

Oz Pizza is at 5 Southwest Broad St. in Fairburn.

Information: www.fairburn.com.