READING, Pa. – The City of Reading is getting ready to welcome the holiday season.

Crews spent today putting up the city’s Christmas tree in Penn Square.

A tree lighting ceremony will take place next Thursday at 6 p.m.

There will be speeches, live music, sweet treats and a visit from Santa Claus himself.

It all leads up to Reading’s Holiday Parade next Saturday morning at 10.

69 News and many other community groups will be there for the celebration.