Hundreds of families filled Payrow Plaza Friday evening to welcome the start of the Christmas season with the traditional Christmas City Tree lighting ceremony.

The event started with a breath of unseasonal warm air as the evening opened with the introduction by Police Chief Mark DiLuzio and the welcome by Mayor Bob Donchez. An emotional rendition of the National Anthem by Moravian College student Luke DiGiacinto was rewarded with resounding applause. Pastor Suzanne Trump contributed to the emotions of the moment with her Invocation. East Hills MS kept the feelings high with their charming choral presentation, followed by the community sing.

The 2015 Christmas City Seal winner, photographer Tim Gilman, was awarded a plaque and $300 for his lovely photograph depicting the Advent breakfast. And then the moment all had been waiting for, the lighting of the tree, with the mayor flipping the switch aided by students representing Miller Heights and Holy Infancy schools. All eyes looked skyward as the tree lit up.

The evening would not have been complete without the arrival of Santa Claus. Excitement was evident as parents became young again, to the delight of their children and grandchildren. The evening came to a close with smiles, cameras and the Spirit of Christmas.