There may not have been any snow, but the festive spirit was still in the air Sunday afternoon as the city flipped the switch on Christmas lights at the Canada Games Plaza.
The 21st annual Civic Light Up drew hundreds of people to the downtown core for hayrides, music, hot chocolate and more.
"I'm very, very pleased with the turnout," said Civic Centre event co-ordinator Susie Jones, who didn't think the lack of winter weather stopped people from coming out and taking part. "It's a great way to kick off the holiday season."
The young voices of the Bel Canto choir serenaded the crowd with Christmas carols, Judy Russell's Enchainment dancers warmed up the audience with their moves and Jerusha White's lilting crooned a mixture of holiday classics
In addition to the open-air activities, families could also participate in a Twoonie swim at the Four Seasons Pool, story time inside the Prince George Public Library and mini holiday lantern making inside the Two Rivers Gallery. The Festival of Trees was also ongoing inside the Civic Centre and Santa Claus himself made an appearance and listened to Christmas wishes in the library's Knowledge Garden.
The centrepiece of the afternoon came just after 5 p.m. when outgoing Mayor Shari Green, incoming mayor Lyn Hall and the Peterson family and friends counted down to the lighting of the plaza's tree.
Having a family onboard to help light the tree was a new addition to the event. Chantal Peterson won her family the opportunity entering a draw at the Four Seasons Pool. The prize also came with four tickets to Dralion by Cirque Du Soleil.
"It was a great honour," said Sasha Gajic, who joined the Peterson family for the countdown.
