“There’s something magical in the air. Can you feel it?” Mayor Carolyn Cavecche greeted the crowd, huddled together around a sparkling Orange Plaza.

About 8,000 men, women and children — bundled up in sweaters, hats and scarves — gathered Sunday night to watch the 15th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Candlelight Choir Procession.

Rosemary Price — who came with her husband, their son and the son’s girlfriend — has been attending the traditional event for three years.

“It’s really festive and Christmas-y, and it’s a great way to start the holiday season,” Price said.

Her favorite part of the evening is listening to the choir and orchestra, which can be heard from a block away.

“We were here at 2:30 to get seats, but we forgot it started at 5,” laughed Price.

From the back of an old-fashioned fire engine, Santa and Mrs. Claus rode around the Circle, waving to spectators seated in front of the Candlelight Orchestra.

Citizen of the Year Joe Fortier led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, before Mayor Cavecche surprised musical director Michael Short by inviting him and his family to light the trees.

“5, 4, 3, 2, 1!” the crowd counted down.

Two trees, one by the Citizens Business Bank and the other by the fountain, burst into light while revelers joined the Candlelight Choir in a rendition of “O Christmas Tree.”

In between musical pieces, Eden Espinoza, Broadway star of “Wicked” and “Rent,” narrated the Biblical story of Christmas.
“What’s nice is that they’re not afraid to say the name of Jesus,” said Scott Becker. “That they’re actually talking about the real Christmas story.”

Michelle Perreault  has dropped by the ceremony from her home nearby about four times, she said.

“It’s looking better every year,” she said. “They have all these booths and food now.”

Nonprofit organizations treated residents to fresh kettle corn, warm cinnamon knots, hot chocolate and cider.

– By Kristen Salazar and Rachelle Yeung

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