It may not be anywhere near a white Christmas, but North Central Florida is getting in the holiday spirit. It's certainly a sight to see; Twenty-five feet of shining lights.

Many families came to the Thomas Center to kick off the holiday season. Parents and children hopped on a fifteen minute carriage ride around downtown Gainesville. There were candy canes, presents, and lots of holiday traditions. The main attraction of the night though, was the annual tree lighting.

The mayor says it's a Gainesville tradition.

"That's one of the great events all year for the mayor to light the tree and come up with something to say like 'let there be light' but tonight I said 'it's time to light the tree'," says Gainesville Mayor Pegeen Hanrahan.

Organizers say they had to use ladders to decorate the more than twenty-five foot tree.

The reining Miss Gainesville says the twinkles on the tree, put a twinkle in her eye for the holidays.

"Ever since the day after Halloween I've been like, it's Christmas, then my family got together for Thanksgiving, and I was like it is it Christmas yet?" says Miss Gainesville, Nicole Rhodes.

Organizers say this is just the first of many holiday parties. Thalia Hayden WCJB TV20 News