Annapolis' annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place on Sunday at Hopkins Plaza next to Market House.

This year's festivities start at 4 p.m. and end at 6 p.m. when Santa arrives by horse and carriage to help Mayor Josh Cohen light the tree.

The Annapolis Jaycees will be serving hot chocolate and Christmas ornaments next to the tree starting at 4 p.m.

Members of the Chesapeake Ballet Company will dance a mini-performance of the Nutcracker at Zachary's Jewelers from 4:50-5:40 p.m. Clara, the Nutcracker Prince and the Snow Queen will be at the store's 100 Main St. location for a reception with hot chocolate and cookies.

Families can meet the entire Nutcracker cast and take pictures with the characters during the pre-show—which starts at 4 p.m.

Pre-registration is required for the meet-and-greet inside Zachary’s Jewelers showroom, but the Nutcracker performance is free and open to everyone. To pre-register, call 410-266-5555.