The most enduring Ripon Christmas tradition is tied to the reason for the season.The 73rd annual presentation of Handel’s Messiah is set for Sunday, Dec. 3, at 3 p.m.The Ripon Oratorio Society will present Handel’s masterpiece at Immanuel Christian Reformed Church, 517 Orange Ave., Ripon.Ripon Christmastree lighting Nov. 30The Ripon Christmas tree lighting ceremony kicks off the Christmas season in Ripon on Thursday, Nov. 30, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park at the corner of First and Locust in Ripon.The free community event will feature the Ripon Christian Choir as well as the Ripon High choir and band.You can have pictures taken with Santa and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies at the event being staged by the Ripon Chamber of Commerce.Ripon Hospice treelighting Dec. 1Hospice of San Joaquin is conducting the Ripon Hospice Tree of Lights tree lighting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 1, at 6 p.m. ceremonies at the Mistlin Fountain Park at the corner of Main Street and Oak Avenue.Hospice is asking the community to “Light Up a Light, Light Up a Life” by dedicating a light to remember or honor a loved one in this year’s Tree of Lights by donating to the Hospice of San Joaquin. The colors of the lights are associated with the family donation: $5 is red, $10 is green, $25 is blue, $50 is white, $100 is yellow, $250 is purple, $500 is orange and a $1,000 donation is for the treetop. The Ripon tree lighting is being hosted by the City of Ripon, the Community and Youth Services Commission.