JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Downtown Jacksonville got the official introduction into the holiday season with the Christmas tree lighting ceremony during the December Art Walk.
The festivities began on Wednesday afternoon from James Weldon Johnson Park with Mayor Donna Deegan, three local Olympians and, of course, Santa Claus.
Deegan presented athletes Caeleb Dressel, Ryan Murphy and Poe Pinson with a key to the city.
Related: Spread holiday cheer by donating to the Channel 4 Toy Drive
Constance Arline made sure to have a front-row seat to see the flip of the switch to light the massive 56-foot tree with 78,000 bulbs.
“I’m here to bring in the happy holidays and see the tree lighting and the joy of Christmas,” Arline said.
Eliaya Reed watched the holiday celebration with her family. She shared her excitement for the holiday season.
“A lot of family’s coming down. And it’s just we’re doing cinnamon rolls and a lot of things that we didn’t do last year that we get to do this year,” Reed said.
Watch the entire holiday celebration below:
A student chorus, dance troupe and drum ensemble, as well as the Cathedral Arts Project String Orchestra (CAPSO) performed holiday favorites, including “Somewhere in My Memory” from the classic holiday movie “Home Alone.”
What are the holidays without tradition?
“My holiday tradition is just the blessings on top of blessings, Constance said. ”Just for me, waking up in the morning is more than enough."
Reed’s favorite tradition included opening a present on Christmas Eve.
