We’re not going to drag out the seasonal chestnut about how it’s beginning to look a lot like a certain year-end holiday, but it is undeniably getting to the point where we’re singing “It’s Beginning to Look, Etc.” to ourself all day long. And nothing heralds the season’s arrival more vividly than a mammoth Christmas ribbon being unloaded from a big truck, which is exactly what was happening outside the Long Beach Performing Arts Center in Downtown Thursday.

The 80-foot-long, LED-lighted ribbon will soon rest atop the Performing Arts Center as part of the elaborate Christmas decorations at the center. It’s the ribbon’s debut appearance, said Frankie Morales, the CEO of the Long Beach-based St. Nick’s Christmas Lighting & Decor. The custom-made ribbon will stretch along the roof of the complex and will come to life when its lights are turned on during the Dec. 4 tree-lighting ceremony from 5 to 8 p.m. on the Terrace Theater Plaza, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.

The ribbon, while quite impressive within the realm of ribbons, will have plenty of competition in terms of being evening’s highlight. St. Nick’s will also be bringing in a pair of 12-foot-tall lighted ornaments with room inside for celebrants to stand. “It’s the ultimate selfie experience,” said Morales. The ornaments will flank the plaza’s fountain.

The free celebration, sponsored by the Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Convention Center and ASM Global, will also feature music from choirs, a brass band and DJs, plus fireworks, food trucks and, did we mention the biggest tree in the entire city? That’ll be there, too.