EDMONTON – The spirit of Christmas came alive in Churchill Square Saturday, with the annual Christmas on the Square Holiday Light Up.
The event featured food trucks, roving mascots, free face painting for the kids, and plenty of other musical entertainment.
“And we’re really lucky, the City Market is back with us this year and will be open until 6:00 p.m., so you can get some shopping in as well,” added Katherine Hoy, Marketing Manager with the Downtown Business Association.
But perhaps the most magical event of the night was when Santa himself waved his magic wand to light up the magnificent 65-foot white spruce tree that will illuminate the square until January.
“It’s very lush and full-bodied. It was cut down Tuesday and delivered early Thursday morning,” Hoy explained. “And for the last couple of days, Epcor crews have been busy decorating with snowfalls and lights and sparklers. So it’s going to be really spectacular.”
The Edmonton Food Bank was also on site. People who planned to attend were asked to bring with them a non-perishable food donation.
The celebration, led by Global’s Shane Jones and Kevin O’Connell, began at 4:00 p.m.
There was a number of musical performances before the tree was lit up. A fireworks show followed to officially kick-off Christmas in the square.