The Whitehall Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Village and Town of Whitehall, are creating a holiday festival of lights.

A number of lights and decorations will be strung throughout the community and the chamber plans to host a number of holiday-themed events.

“We want the community of Whitehall aglow with the holiday lights,” said Norma Schofield, chairperson of the festival of lights committee. “We envision Whitehall as a holiday destination. Come experience the lights and warmth of Whitehall.”

A tree-lighting ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Whitehall Athletic Club and the committee is planning a New Year’s Eve party, which will also be held at the club.

The festival will also include a holiday decorating contest.

Sponsored by the chamber, prizes will be awarded in both residential and commercial categories.

The residential contest will be split into four categories: “Elf in residence” (the most unusual or extreme decorating), traditional, entranceway / door decorations and street competition, which will involved a group of neighbors who work together to decorate a series of houses.

The commercial contest is divided into retro design and country village or Victorian decorating.

For more information, call 499-1940.