Downtown Christmas tree lights up, holiday season underway

The 22-metre white spruce Christmas tree in Churchill Square officially became illuminated Saturday night.

The holiday season is underway in Edmonton, after the official lighting of the giant Christmas tree in Churchill Square this weekend.

Santa Claus made a special appearance downtown Saturday night, helping flip the switch on the 22-metre white spruce tree, illuminating 14,000 LED lights, sparklers and snow globes.

“I did a count the other day and Edmonton has the most good boys and girls than any other place in Canada,” Santa said to hundreds of Edmontonians, who packed the square for the annual Christmas light up.

Along with the light up, the event featured choirs and musicians performing sounds of the season, stilt walkers, face-painting, balloon artists and carolers.

“It was absolutely fantastic,” said Charlene Byrne, who said the whole night put her in a festive mood.

“I can’t wait to go home and put up my tree.”

The tree, which was donated by Edmonton-based Millar Western Forest Products, will now illuminate downtown Edmonton throughout the holiday season.

The evening ended with a choreographed fireworks show.