WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The annual tree lighting ceremony, which has been a tradition since the 1950s, will take place this Saturday at the new Elm Street Plaza location. The event begins at 4:45 p.m. featuring performances by the Westfield High School pep band and show choir. Santa and Mrs. Claus are set to arrive before Mayor McCabe turns the tree lights on at 5:30 p.m. Families are invited to enjoy hot cocoa and visit Santa. Tracking Massachusetts storm system Thanksgiving week The mayor's office said that the decision to move the tree display from Park Square was due to the safety concerns of pedestrians. The police are no longer allowed to volunteer to help people cross Elm and Broad streets for the tree-lighting event. “The loss of the police volunteers has caused a strain on the PD to assist with all city events,” McCabe said, “This year, with the newly completed Elm Street Plaza, we have a beautiful venue for downtown events that is more accessible. We simply owe it to everyone to act in the best interest of public safety." A menorah will also be on display at the Elm Street Plaza during Hannukah, December 25th through January 2nd. Local News Headlines Town of Agawam rescinds open burning ban City of Westfield to hold annual tree lighting at new location Southampton man found not guilty of 2022 manslaughter National Cake Day: Where to get the best cake in western Massachusetts WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.