Tonight, it will become official. The Christmas season has arrived in Selma.

After delays caused by rainy weather, electrical problems and meeting new state Department of Transportation requirements, the wreaths hanging above Broad Street will light up tonight.

Along with the wreaths, the trees lining downtown sidewalks will also be covered in glowing white lights to mark the occasion of this special time of year.

“It’s going to look good,” said Elizabeth Driggers, director of the city’s Community Development office. “The wreaths will look better than ever.”

Residents of Selma may also notice a few additional wreaths this year as well.

Starting this holiday season, the wreaths and other city Christmas decorations, which usually end at Dallas Avenue, will continue onto the intersection at Highland Avenue.

While the wreaths may not look extra special to those driving through downtown, they are unique to Selma.

Purchased in 1992, the wreaths were designed to meet the Community Development Office’s specific requirements and standards.

“Other cities may copy our wreaths, but they were made specifically for Selma,” Driggers said. “The manufacturer made them only for us. The bows alone are three feet wide.”

Driggers said she had hoped to have the lights on by Wednesday, but crews had trouble with the conduit-the plastic tubs that enclose the electrical wiring.

“The highway department said the conduits could not be in the streets, that it was a safety hazard,” said Patty Sexton, of the Community Development Office. “They had to place them in the sidewalks.”

Now that all the additional work is complete, city workers will be spending this afternoon turning on the lights.

Once the sun goes down, barring any unforeseen problems, the Selma sky will be filled with the Christmas spirit.

“Downtown Selma will be a good place to be (tonight),” Driggers said. “People should come look at the lights and do a little Christmas shopping.”