A “Santa Secret VIP” will light the Banyan Tree at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 1. The Pioneer Inn and Wharf Cinema Center will simultaneously light their properties.

LAHAINA – LahainaTown Action Committee will host the 11th annual Lighting of the Banyan Tree on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 1-2.

A famous landmark in Lahaina, the Banyan Tree was planted in 1873 by Sheriff William Owen Smith to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the first missionaries. Brought from India, the tree was only eight feet high at the time of planting. It now has a dozen main trunks and spreads over more than an acre.

The Banyan Tree will be lit up with thousands of colored Christmas lights for the entire holiday season from Dec. 1 to Jan. 1, 2013.

This year, LAC is creating a winter wonderland for Lahaina children. Keiki activities will kick off at 2 p.m. and include cookie decorating, face painting and Christmas crafts.

LAC requests one canned or nonperishable food item for admission to the “North Pole” winter wonderland.

Although the wonderland will not have snow, there will be an opportunity to see Frosty, a real Hawaiian snowman. Parents should bring cameras for this great photo opportunity. Santa will arrive at 2 p.m.

Join in the fun with this island-style event with holiday arts, crafts and Hawaiian music beginning at 10 a.m. For more information, contact Lynn Donovan at lynn@visitlahaina.com or 667-9175.