MARIETTA - This year's celebrations for Marietta's 175th birthday will culminate with a black-tie Gala on the Square Dec. 4 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The event will also kick off the 23rd annual Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour, which is Dec. 5 and Dec. 6.

"It's a perfect tie-in for the tour to connect with our 175th celebration - spotlighting the best of the past in Marietta as we prepare for the future," said Kathryn Mayfield, co-chair of the Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour.

The theme of the gala is "Living the Charmed Life in the Gem City for 175 years."

Tickets are $75 per person.

North Park Square will be closed and a large heated tent will be set up in the street. Les Still and the Still Swinging Bank will perform jazz music, and there will be a cocktail buffet, full bar and hors d'oevres.

"Cinderella" will open that night at the Earl Smith Strand Theatre, and cast members will be present at the gala.

Horse-drawn carriage rides around the Square will be offered, as will a candlelight tour of selected homes on the Pilgrimage, including the Adrian Cortelyou-Pressley House, the Black-Greer-Lee House and the McNeel-Harpenau House.

For more information and for tickets, call the Marietta Welcome Center & Visitors Bureau at (770) 429-1115.