BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Black Friday marks the unofficial start of the holiday season in downtown Burlington and beyond.
Friday night, the marketplace will be a bit brighter after the annual church street tree lighting.
The over 30-foot Colorado blue spruce was delivered last Friday and spent the week getting decorated.
The festivities start at noon with a Santa parade starting at city hall.
Local icons like Champ will be there as well as a recent addition to the mascot lineup – Burlington airport’s Aero the Griffin. And of course, Santa will be in attendance.
Then at 5:15, there will be carol singing and a performance of T’was the Night Before Christmas at the top of Church Street.
It all culminates at 6 p.m., when 100,000 lights adoring the tree will come to life, bringing the holiday spirit to Church Street.