The Clam Lights at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park will light up the night sky for the holidays starting Friday (Dec. 3).

It’s the 17th year for this holiday tradition that annually draws thousands of visitors to the park on Lake Washington. The lights are ablaze 5 p.m.-9 p.m. nightly through Jan. 1.

The kickoff is at 5 p.m., with an evening of free entertainment such as rides on Santa’s wagon, music by the Lindbergh High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Rainier Yacht Club’s “Parade of Boats,” and a visit by the Argosy Christmas Ship featuring entertainment by the Northwest Boychoir – Advanced Choir.

Mayor Denis Law will light the holiday tree. The night’s events end at 9 p.m.

Here’s the full schedule:

• 6:30 to 7:15 p.m., Lindbergh High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble

• 7:15 p.m., official lighting ceremony

• 7:30 p.m., Rainier Yacht Club’s “Parade of Boats”

• 8 p.m. to 8:20 p.m., Argosy Christmas Ship with Northwest Boychoir – Advanced Choir.

Gene Coulon Park is at 1201 Lake Washington Blvd., Renton.