Close to 50 people attended the annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting event in Jefferson Sunday evening at the Thomas Jefferson Gardens.

Following holiday music performed on the Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower by musician Janice Harbaugh, attendees counted down to the lighting of the Christmas trees, along with a special visit from Santa Claus, who had this important message for everyone.

“Just be safe, have a merry Christmas, enjoy the Yuletide because we can finally enjoy it together. Thank you.”

Organizer Jean Van Gilder was delighted to have warmer weather and reminded all the children to drop off their letters to Santa by December 10th in the special mailbox near the entrance to the Welcome Center and include a return address for Santa to answer your letter before Christmas. She also reminded everyone of their Tag-A-Tree activity.

“They ask you to put a wish down, what you wish for Christmas. So if you just come into the Welcome Center and ask to do the Tag-A-Tree, you can put a tag on the tree and maybe your name will be drawn for a prize.”

The winning wish will be selected on December 15th.