Video: Aurora's Tree-Lighting Ceremony

Yes, it was the day before Thanksgiving. But in Aurora, the Christmas season officially began Wednesday night.

That’s when the city held its annual tree-lighting ceremony, complete with a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, outside North Island Center on Galena Boulevard. Mayor Tom Weisner flipped the switch that turned on the multicolored lights, with the help of this year’s Miss Merry Christmas and Jack Frost, Aurorans Madeline Assell and Edwin Ramos, respectively.

Aurora resident Judi Kessler donated the massive pine tree that serves as the city’s main holiday decoration this year. Kessler’s husband Lin died last year, and had named the tree George. Kessler donated it in his memory, according to Weisner, and the ornaments that hung from its branches were created by children from around the city.

The ceremony also served as the unofficial release party for Made in Aurora Vol. II, a holiday-themed compilation of local music that will benefit the Paul Ruby Foundation for Parkinson’s research. Aurora songwriter Andrea Dawn performed her song from the album, “Mr. Evergreen.” The album officially releases today, Nov. 25.

Montgomery’s annual tree lighting is set for Sunday, Dec. 4, at 5 p.m. at , 200 N. River Street. First up, students from local grade schools will decorate the village’s Christmas tree with handmade ornaments, before Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in a fire truck to help light the tree.

Students will then regale the audience with Christmas carols as they enjoy refreshments inside Village Hall. Santa will stick around for pictures as well.