Mayor Craig Lowe counted down from three. Christmas carolers held their hymnals. Children waited, their eyes wide with wonder.
And in an instant, hundreds of little lights flooded the Thomas Center atrium with an icy-blue glow.
About 800 people attended the city’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration Saturday at the center, 302 NE Sixth Ave. Gainesville Regional Utilities and the Thomas Center sponsored the free festival.
After the mayor lit the tree, families huddled around it to pose for pictures. Children reached to touch the shiny orbs that hung from its branches.
Little kids lined up, eager to speak with Santa Claus. Red-faced and cheery, he hugged them and laughed, listening to their wishes.
Madison Sprague, 1, waited her turn. Donning a red velvet dress trimmed with white fluff, her mom said she was excited to see the man she dressed to match.
“It was her first time seeing Santa,” said her mom, Julie Sprague, 34. “It was great.”
Luminaries lit the way for horse-drawn carriage rides through the nearby Duckpond neighborhood. Horses trotted by families waiting in line, the kids shrieking in excitement.
Families filed into galleries, taking in the festivities and the art the facility offered.
Music from three entertainment groups danced about the building, softly filling the rooms with songs of the season.
Sam Kragiel, 37, said he was happy his family could make it to the festival. His 6-month-old son, Julian, gazed starry-eyed at the sparkling tree that towered above him.
“We live nearby, and we’ve been meaning to come,” Kragiel said. “It’s a nice start to the holiday season.”
Event coordinator David Ballard said the location of the ceremony was perfect.
“The Thomas Center has such historic charm,” he said. “It’s the cultural center of our city.”
Gainesville residents gather as Mayor Craig Lowe lights the city Christmas tree Saturday night at the Thomas Center. The Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration was free and open to the public.
