For the fifth year running, Osprey Village is hosting a free neighbourhood party that organizers hope will entice people from the South Bonson area - and beyond.

The festivities - complete with the traditional tree lighting - are being held in the retail village from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2.

And while it will feature many of the established event favourites - including children's crafts, pictures with Santa, and free hot chocolate and cookies (the first 300) - it will also include some new additions and surprises, explained Anahi English of Stomping Grounds Coffee House.

Topping the list, this year's event - which is co-sponsored by the merchants and the Pitt Meadows Community Association - will feature a night-time Christmas market with eight to 10 vendors selling everything from prepared cheeseballs and jewelry to recycled wood crafts and kids clothing.

Organizers are also converting the old flower shop into Santa's workshop - for pictures - and Mr. I and the Rainbow Singers will provide children's entertainment and lead in singing of Christmas carols.

Attendance at the event grows slightly each year, English said, noting there were about 350 people last year. She delights at seeing so many neighbours walking in from Bonson Road and along the dikes. But once again, she extended an invite to the entire community to attend, encouraging - where possible - for people to carpool since parking is somewhat limited.

It's a great way for new people to discover the village, said English, who attended the last four events, but became involved in organizing two years ago.

More important, she said, it's a great way to bring the community together and kickoff the season.

Designed as a family festival, she said it's called a tree-lighting event - with Mayor Deb Walters throwing the power switch part way through the night - but it's actually so much more.

"It's really a fun event for everyone."

rhooper@mrtimes.com