Yup, Santa Claus is coming to town. On Thursday, to be exact.

Mayor Luis Quintana is hosting the city's annual Christmas tree lighting at city hall, beginning at 4:30. The event will feature a performance by the Newark Boys Chorus as well as a visit from everyone's favorite jolly old elf.

And in more holiday news, Essex County College is hosting a pre-Kwanzaa celebration from 5 to 7 pm at the school's Mary Burch Theater, located at 303 University Ave. Among the highlights will be a performance by a famed African drum troupe. Admission is free.