The holidays are finally approaching, and Snider Plaza kicked off the season with its annual lighting of the tree ceremony.

The ceremony took place Sunday, Nov. 19 and consisted of a festival in Snider Plaza that filled the shopping center with Christmas decorations and various vendors in tents. From Peggy Sue BBQ, to the Chihuahua Rescue and Transport of North Texas, to a face-painting booth with the University Park Public Library, a plethora of options were featured at the festival. The festival even had Santa Claus centered in the middle of the plaza to take pictures with kids and a Texas longhorn with a wreath around its neck for children to pet.

University Park Mayor Olin Lane said he loves attending this event each year because it brings the community together. He said it does a great job of not only promoting the businesses within the center, but also allowing citizens to come together to enjoy the family-oriented event. The mayor also mentioned this year was the largest crowd he has seen at the festival.

“We had well over a thousand people come out this year,” Lane said. “It was packed from the time it started until the end.”

Performances also took place on a lit stage near the Christmas tree. The stage was surrounded by hundreds of seats for people to sit and enjoy the shows. Performers included Highland Park Dance Company, Preston Center Dance, the Dallas Academy of Music, the Texas Ballet Theater and the Highland Park High School choir group, Lads and Lassies.

Miss Park Cities Adaline Bebo appeared at the ceremony to represent her community. She said she loved everything the festival had to offer. Bebo said she enjoyed seeing all the children have fun and all the Park Cities residents come together.

“This has been such a great chance for the community to come together and celebrate the holiday season,” Bebo said.

The tree finally lit up after a countdown at 6 p.m. and marked the start of the holidays in University Park.

This year was the 11th year of the lighting of tree ceremony in Snider Plaza. The city will continue to host the event annually. To learn more about other events in the Park Cities area, visit www.uptexas.org.