Annual tree lighting ceremony lights up downtown Wilmington

DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Hundreds gathered in downtown Wilmington Friday night for the city’s annual tree lighting celebration. The event featured a festive Christmas Market with local vendors offering hot chocolate and holiday treats.

Live musical performances from local groups set the mood before the big moment. Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo, along with other elected officials, took the stage to flip the switch, lighting the city’s Christmas tree.

Cheryl Hartsoe, President of the Downtown Business Alliance and main sponsor of the event, expressed her pride in Wilmington’s downtown. “It’s a very special feeling downtown; it’s the heartbeat, I believe, of Wilmington. I am a firm believer that without a vibrant downtown, which is the core of what Wilmington is, we wouldn’t have the city we do. I know we have the beaches and Midtown, but for years and centuries, Wilmington’s center has been downtown, and it is so great to see the resurgence now.”

Santa Claus made a grand entrance, arriving in a horse-drawn carriage down Water Street, bringing extra holiday cheer to the evening.