It’s the time of year to celebrate with family and friends at the annual Surprise Party.

The free, two-night event is filled with festive activities, entertainment and holiday fun for all ages from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Surprise Recreation Campus at 15960 N. Bullard Ave.

A winter wonderland complete with a snow party will be on hand, as well as drone shows, glowing hot air balloons, skydivers and special performances.

Treats will be available at several food trucks and attendees can explore a vendor village, let the kids have fun in the kid zone, check out the s’mores station and capture a photo with Santa in Santa’s Workshop.

The festivities kick off Dec. 6 with DJ music, family-friendly activities and other entertainment. The city has planned a special surprise performance to set the holiday mood.

At 6:30 p.m., join Mayor Skip Hall and the Surprise City Council for the annual tree lighting ceremony in front of Surprise Stadium. The Aerial Extreme Skydiving Team will then take to the skies, followed by a fireworks display to end the night.

Friday’s event also launches Sparkling Surprise, a light display featuring nearly 200,000 lights illuminating Surprise Community Park, nightly from 5:30 to 10 through Dec. 31.

Dec. 7 brings two drone shows featuring 200 LED-lit drones, creating holiday animations set to music. The evening continues with a hot air balloon glow, live ice sculpting and real snow.

Canned food donations are appreciated for Operation Santa, which Sanderson Ford and Sanderson Lincoln sponsors.

For event details, including event maps, parking information and road closures, visit surpriseaz.gov/SurpriseParty, or contact 623-222-2000.