The Christmas City officially opened the season of holiday revels with its annual tree lighting festivities at Payrow Plaza Nov. 23.

Administrators, sponsors, performers, school students and thousands of residents braced the toe-numbing chill with free cookies and hot chocolate during performances and sing-alongs.

Mayor Bob Donchez said he is proud of a city “that celebrates Christmas in a thousand ways with lights and goodwill.”

Police Chief Mark DiLuzio, who acted as emcee, said the holiday is in the very fibre of the community. “Celebrating Christmas is part of our culture and tradition,” he told the chilly throng.

The Bethlehem Press offers listings of countless community events during the holiday season. See page A14