LYNN — The city kicked off the holiday season with a menorah and tree lighting Monday night in Central Square.
The downtown celebration was hosted by the City of Lynn, in partnership with the Greater Lynn Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Lynn Cultural District.
This tradition — which began almost five years ago when Mayor Thomas M. McGee took office — was hosted virtually last year because of the pandemic, but returned to an in-person event this year, bringing dozens of people to the downtown.
“It’s great to bring people together again,” McGee said. “Getting ready for the holiday season, with Hanukkah starting yesterday and heading towards Christmas and New Year’s, it’s wonderful to be here tonight.”
Children from the Demakes Family YMCA and the St. Mary’s Choir sang Christmas songs, while the All-City Marching Band played trumpets, saxophones, flutes and tambourines to “Hark The Herald Angels Sing” and other traditional holiday songs.
Mayor-elect Jared Nicholson thanked everyone involved for organizing an event aimed at bringing everyone together again.
“It’s the season for us to reflect on the year behind us and the year ahead,” Nicholson said. “It’s wonderful to be able to do that together tonight in Central Square… It feels a little bit like a reunion, seeing some faces I haven’t seen in a while since not being in person for so long.”
The Salvation Army joined the crowd, offering hot chocolate and popcorn, and Santa and Mrs. Claus attended the event, taking photos with children and celebrating the start of the Christmas season.
Ward 3 Councilor-elect Coco Alinsug said it was really nice to see all the kids and how excited they were to see Santa.
“The holidays are all about kids,” Alinsug said. “They love it and it’s a really nice night.”
Ward 4 Councilor Richard Colucci said this is a great event and it’s great to have it back in person.
The tree on the Lynn Commons in City Hall Square will be lit during a celebration on Tuesday at 5 p.m.
The Lynn Public Schools Chorus will perform at this tree lighting, and Santa, McGee, the All-City Marching Band, and the Salvation Army will return for a second night.
