SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — With the flick of a switch, the region's tallest Christmas tree is officially lit.
On Wednesday, the Annual Tower Lighting was celebrated by hundreds as they kicked off the holiday season in Downtown Scranton.
More than 400 bulbs are all lit up and illuminating the Electric City.
The traditional lighting is a proper start to the holiday season here in the city.
What sounds like a countdown to the new year is really a kick-off to this year's Christmas season in downtown Scranton.
The traditional WEJL Tower Lighting on Thanksgiving Eve lights up the city's skyline.
Continuing Annual WEJL Tower Lighting tradition in Scranton
"It's beautiful, absolutely beautiful. They always do a great display every year and we are so happy to be here," Scranton resident Joseph Scaturro.
Nearly 500 colorful lights decorate the 296-foot tower located on top of the Times building.
"I thought it was really cool. I was shocked when I saw it," said Carter Secarnato from Scranton.
Bundled up on this cold night, children, families, and people from all over Lackawanna County and surrounding communities crowded the streets of Scranton to celebrate.
Holiday tunes filled the air as people packed Penn Ave to grab a bite to eat, check out holiday gadgets, and explore more than a dozen food, drink, and gift vendors.
The longtime tradition brings out the holiday spirit for many but not all.
"As soon as those lights go up they are coming right down. Nobody knows what's going on except for me and Max and we're going to get Christmas canceled," the Grinch said.
Just like the residents of Whoville, the Grinch is not stealing any spirits away from this community.
"I feel like Christmas is here. I feel like Thanksgiving already passed," said Scranton resident Erabella Rujar.
The tower was first lit in the 1960s.
Scaturro says this Christmas magic will never die out.
"It's tradition and tradition always brings people together," Scaturro said.
The tower will stay lit every night all throughout the holiday season.
