Veronica Torres-Lopes has lived in Sarasota for her whole life, but this was her first year attending the Christmas tree lighting at Five Points Park.
"My boyfriend, Dana Stoltzner, and I just got our puppy, Q, and we want to take him out," said Torres-Lopes. "Q loves kids, he goes crazy when he sees them."
In addition to the lighting of the Christmas tree on Nov. 29, Santa was in attendance to ask children what they wanted for Christmas and to light the tree itself. There was also a window display reveal at various storefronts in downtown Sarasota. The weather proved to be a little bit wintery as well, so people got to bundle up to watch the tree lighting.Â
Veda Krolik and Rhea Krolik take a picture with Santa.
Scout & Molly's Boutique on First Street get into the holiday spirit with their window display.
Hannah Veitkus and Bo
Santa learns what Cole Machold wants for Christmas this year.
Serena Fox, Layla Fox and Angela Fox
Jules Dipronio and Mocha the greyhound
Maria Yribe and Mia Torres
Anne Maria Bowser, Phil DiCarlo and Heather DiCarlo
The Christmas tree lights up Five Points Park.
Cheyenne Santos from United Pentecostal Church of Sarasota
Ellen Farrell, Meghan Farrell, Sean Farrell and Gabriel Farrell
Dana Stoltzner snuggles up to Santa.
Jan Huff and Lyle Huff.
Wendy Rossiter and Vicki Hornberger pose as mannequins at Panache downtown.
Irina Nadolyn-Kouchnir is a living mannequin in the front window display at PJ's Boutique.
The window display at Wet Noses is a crowd favorite, capturing the silliness of the season.
Santa plugs in the tree to begin the tree lighting.
