The annual lighting is traditionally held the night before Thanksgiving, to commemorate the first landfall of the Pilgrims in the New World in Provincetown Harbor.

Officer Zerinskas will flip the switch to illuminate more than 3,100 landing lights in 19 strands that are draped from top to bottom on the historic 252-foot tall all granite structure that has been a beacon for sailors, travelers and residents throughout Cape Cod.

The lighting event, which is free and open to the public, includes light refreshments provided by Stop & Shop and entertainment by John Thomas who will play the piano and sing traditional holiday tunes.

The event is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with the lights being illuminated at 6 p.m.

The Monument will stay lit until January 6, 2017 to represent the five weeks that the Pilgrims spent in Provincetown Harbor on board the Mayflower before sailing to Plymouth.