On Friday, Dec. 6, the city of Ypsilanti twinkled with festive delight with the annual Starlight Spree and Tree Lighting Ceremony outside the downtown library.
As the holiday season approaches quickly, both residents of Ypsilanti and Eastern Michigan University students begin to enjoy those holiday traditions they look forward to each year.
This year’s festivities included the Ypsilanti Community Choir caroling cheerfully near the tree despite chilly weather. The carolers, many of whom were EMU alumni, preformed holiday classics such as
“Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls” as children from the community danced on the cobblestone.
What tree lighting ceremony would be complete without old St. Nick himself? Santa Claus was on-hand spreading holiday cheer to children and adults alike before he headed back up to the North Pole. Of course he made a little time before flying off to listen to ask what children in attendance wanted for
Christmas near the lit Christmas trees. Children looked on at the jolly old elf, both mesmerized and terrified.
“It’s very nice the city does this, and to see the kids and everyone out here for the tree lighting,” said Krystal Elliott, an EMU alumna and a former writer for The Eastern Echo.
Mallorie Brazeau, who accompanied Elliott, thought highly of the event that brought everyone together.
“It’s a really good thing for the city to do,” Brazeau said.
In addition to the entertainment and tree lighting itself, guests munched on cookies and sipped hot chocolate provided for the festivities. Local businesses along the downtown strip on Michigan Avenue also remained open that night for the Christmas shoppers to begin their holiday gift hunting.
For more information on the Ypsilanti Community Choir and local events, go to ypsicommchoir.com.