A new and expanded holiday celebration will burst out of Sammamish City Hall and fill the nearby plaza with light, food and fun from 6-9 p.m. Dec 6. Entitled “Very Merry Sammamish,” the newly configured event will feature festive lights, special guests, musical performances, kids’ activities and food.

“We’re going to keep the features that people loved about our past celebrations, but this is going to be bigger, brighter and more focused outside on the plaza,” Parks and Recreation Director Jessi Bon said. “It’s going to feel more like a festival with lots of different things to see and activities to do.”

Attendees will get a chance to vote for their favorite lighted vehicle. The city expects to do well in the voting with its creatively and brightly lit backhoe. Vans from the YMCA, the Boys and Girls Club and Aegis Living of Marymoor also will be on hand with bulb-intensive decorations. The biggest vehicle? Probably a bedazzled recycling truck from Republic Services.

Taking time out of their busy schedule to come celebrate a Very Merry Sammamish will be Santa Clause, Princess Merry and Mayor Odell. Joining the Blackwell Elementary Choir and Master Chorus Eastside on the musical menu is The Not-Its, a band made up of adults who play rock music for kids.

There also will be a number of furry critters big and small from camels, alpacas and sheep to rabbits and guinea pigs. Event organizers advise people touching the animals to wash their hands before indulging in some barbecue, hot chocolate and cookie decorating.

“The traditional tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. inside City Hall,” Bon said. “But with all the stuff going on, we think this is going to be a great indoor/outdoor event. Just be sure to dress weather appropriate so you can enjoy everything this event has to offer.”

The event is sponsored by Republic Services and Aegis Living.