St. Armands tree-lighting begins Sarasota's holiday season
With a switch flick and a visit from St. Nick, Sarasota's new centerpiece wowed the crowd.
By
Dariela Delgado
| 1:07 p.m. December 4, 2022
Sarasota
Neighbors
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City leaders and fans of all things bright and sparkly rocked around the Christmas tree last week at Sarasota's ceremonial tree lighting on St. Armands Circle.
Hundreds gathered along to watch the super-sized tree light up as the kick off to the holiday season in Sarasota.
The evening radiated with holiday spirit as families gathered together for Mr. and Mrs. Claus to make their arrival in front of the tree in a vintage Mercedes.
Sarasota Mayor Kyle Battie and Vice Mayor Liz Alpert gave their holiday greetings to the crowd. Rev. Dr. Kenneth Blyth of Church on the Circle gave a brief prayer before the big countdown.
Battie and Santa stepped on the podium and said, "Starting at 10." The crowd counted down with the mayor and Santa as they pressed the button to bedazzle the 60-foot tree.
Future of Dance immediately followed the tree lighting as they performed various choreographed holiday routines.
Marjorie Reda and Migda Cubero wait for the lighting of the 60 foot tree.
Photo by Dariela Delgado
Eden Williams, Rian Dunn, Jane Goins and Lincoln Dunn are excited for the St. Armands tree lighting.
Photo by Dariela Delgado
Christina Denuijl, Brenda Watty and Devron Minion came out to support Sarasota Mayor Battie.
Photo by Dariela Delgado
Sgt. Riffe, Kate Haris and Devron Minion join the St. Armands crowd for the tree lighting
Photo by Dariela Delgado
Mark Checcone and Kate Haris wait eagerly for the tree lighting and their daughter's performance in Future of Dance.
Photo by Dariela Delgado
City of Sarasota Marketing and Outreach Coordinator Ciera Coleman welcomes the crowd to the 43rd year of the St. Armands tree lighting.
Photo by Dariela Delgado
Mrs. and Mr. Claus make their stylish arrival in a vintage Mercedes.
Photo by Dariela Delgado
City of Sarasota Mayor Battie gives his holiday greeting to the St. Armands crowd.
Photo by Dariela Delgado
St Armands Key Lutheran Church Rev. Dr. Kenneth Blyth gives a prayer before the tree lighting.
Photo by Dariela Delgado
Mr. Claus and Sarasota Mayor Battie begin the grand countdown to light the tree.
Photo by Dariela Delgado
Future of Dance perform various holiday dance routines shortly after the tree lighting.
Photo by Dariela Delgado
City of Sarasota Marketing and Outreach Coordinator Ciera Coleman
Photo by Dariela Delgado
Andrew, Jeannie and Nikolas Sibilly pose in front of the St. Armands Tree.
Photo by Dariela Delgado
Jacalyn Ochoa, John Ochoa, Harrison Ochoa and Ciera Coleman pose next to the St. Armands Tree.
Photo by Dariela Delgado
Vice Mayor Liz Albert, City Commissioner Debbie Trice, City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch and Mayor Kyle Battie pose in front of the St. Armands tree.
Photo by Dariela Delgado
Mrs. and Mr. Claus sit in front of St. Armands 60 foot Christmas tree ready to take pictures with the children.
