St. Armands Circle hosts annual holiday tree lighting

A mixed crowd of snowbirds, visitors, and full-time residents heard the famous holiday classic Santa Claus is Coming to Town echoing from every corner of St. Armands Circle on the evening of Dec. 6. 

While attendees sang classic Christmas carols led by a choir from St. Armands Key Lutheran Church, all heads tilted toward the 60-foot Christmas Tree in the middle of the park.

"After everything happened out here, it is nice to see everyone gathered here together," said Maribeth McDermott."We need to support everyone in the circle as they get back on their feet."

St. Armands Circle celebrated the start of the holiday season at its 46th annual Holiday Night of Lights. The night was the perfect event to celebrate the end of the hurricane season and welcome the beloved merchants back to the Circle.

Christmas carols started at 5:30 p.m. as people gathered around the tree after eating dinner or doing holiday shopping.

Escorted by a Sarasota County fire truck, Santa Claus made his way through the Circle and greeted all the children. 

He joined the Marketing and Events Director for the St. Armands Circle Association Rachel Burns, Commissioner Kyle Battie, Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch and the Rev. Kenneth Blyth from St. Armands Key Lutheran Church at the Christmas tree.

After Blyth led the crowd in prayer, Santa counted the final 10 seconds to illuminate the tree. 

Following the tree lighting, children of all ages lined up to take photos with Santa and mail their letters to him. The parents enjoyed other musical performances and seasonal decorations in the St. Armands shops and restaurants.

People also enjoyed the live nativity scene at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church, which has been a Holiday Night of Lights tradition for almost ten years. 

After the effects of the hurricane, the church decided to hold the nativity inside this year in its "Journey to Bethlehem" program.

"As we gather under this holiday tree and awake the glow of twinkling lights and the warmth that represents the community, we are reminded of the resilience and beauty that define us," said Ahearn-Koch, addressing the crowd. "We've seen our streets filled with water, businesses facing unexpected trails and our neighbors navigating difficult times. Yet through it all, this community has proven its strength. We've come together, supported one another, and shown the spirit that St. Armands shines as brightly as ever before."

The free event was in support of Flight to the North Pole, a nonprofit that provides financial and emotional support to terminally ill children and families in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. To support the cause, visit FlightToTheNorthPole.org.