The 32nd annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in Paso Robles got underway this evening with the help of Mrs. Claus.
Hundreds of people attended the event, which is held every year at the Paso Robles Downtown City Park.
People of all ages held candles and sang Christmas tunes.
The Grinch crashed the party, but the crowd eventually won him over.
Mrs. Claus had quite the journey from the North Pole, but she wasn’t the only one to travel a long way for the event.
During a roll call of the crowd, some people said they were visiting from as far away New Zealand.
Paso Robles known for its wine country but Friday night, it was all about the cookies and hot cocoa.
Lights now adorn 18 trees in the park.
Earlier in the day, a holiday craft fair gave Black Friday shoppers the opportunity to find unique Christmas gifts.
“I love making things, what I don’t sell I can give away as gifts too,” Betsy Eagle, a vendor, said. “You can’t beat the holidays here. I used to live in snow but there’s nothing like coming back home to Paso and this area. It’s just beautiful.”
This big event is followed by the annual Paso Robles Christmas parade, which takes place December 1st.
