Traditional Christmas

Tree lighting is an annual tradition that takes place in many places around the world during the Christmas season. The two most famous tree lightings are the Boston tree lighting, and the Rockefeller tree lighting in New York that are both broadcast each year to millions of viewers around the world.

The tradition finds itself in the hometowns of many during Christmas. The mayor’s annual tree lighting is no exception and has taken place this past weekend in Fredericton New Brunswick. Although the temperatures were low the turnout was high.

“Tonight is the mayor’s tree lighting ceremony and a way to get the community together to have a little fun before the Christmas season,” said Mayor Mike O’Brien.

They offered hot chocolate and apple cider to the attendees while they waited for the marching band to make their way down from the Legislature tree lighting. Young and old were happy to receive a warm treat while waiting out in the cold.

Once the band played a few Christmas tunes and the tree was lit Santa made an appearance for the children and handed out candy canes. Mayor O’Brien said this tradition was here long before him and will be long after.

“This has been a long, long time this is my fourth as mayor and its one of the nights I really enjoy it’s a cold night out I got my ear flaps on so the cooler weather might keep some of the crowd down we don’t know but if there’s a big crowd here ill; get on the microphone and tell them to gather bundle up and keep warm and enjoy the night so that’s what it’s all about families and a little bit of fun,” said O’Brien.

The turnout was better than he expected on such a cold night but says next year they will be out again ready to continue the tradition.