LAHAINA – LahainaTown Action Committee will host the 17th annual Lighting of the Banyan Tree in downtown Lahaina on Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7.

Among the most famous landmarks in Lahaina, the Banyan Tree was planted in 1873 by Sheriff William Smith to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the first missionaries.

Brought from India, the tree was only eight feet high when it was planted. It now has a dozen main trunks and spreads over more than an acre.

In keeping with tradition, the tree will be lit at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday with thousands of colored Christmas lights for the entire holiday season (through Jan. 2, 2015). Lights on The Wharf Cinema Center and Pioneer Inn will be turned on at the same moment.

At the event, Uncle Harold Kaniho, the crossing guard for King Kamehameha III Elementary School, will be honored for his many years of commitment and devotion to Lahaina Town as the 2014 official tree lighter.

Keiki activities will kick off at 2 p.m. on Saturday with the arrival of Santa at the North Pole sponsored by AAAAA Rent-A-Space. Other activities include cookie decorating, face painting and Christmas crafts.

LahainaTown Action Committee requests the donation of one canned or nonperishable food item for admission into the “North Pole” winter wonderland.

Keiki are invited to come out and meet “Da Hawaiian Snowman” arriving at 4 p.m. He is donated and carved onsite by Lahaina Ice Company. Parents should bring cameras for this great photo opportunity.

Join in the fun with this Lahaina island-style event with a holiday arts and crafts fair along with a variety of local musicians, including the Lahainaluna High School Band for the actual lighting.

Music begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday and continues on Sunday at 9 a.m. This year, The Outlets of Maui will be the entertainment sponsor.

For more information, contact Lynn Donovan at lynn@visitlahaina.com or 667-9175.