Christmas tree lighting takes place at Hilton Park

The lighting of the world’s largest living Christmas tree took place at Hilton Park in Wilmington Thursday night.

Hundreds of kids showed up to meet Santa and see the 5,200 twinkling lights that decorate the live oak.

One Wilmington resident has been coming to this tree lighting since she was a kid. Now she is bringing her children.

“It’s a great memory – coming out to the tree, seeing it light up each year, coming to see Santa. It is great to bring my daughters to enjoy the same memories that I have enjoyed,” said Traci Johnson.

The tree will stay lit until the end of the year.