The city of Katy held its annual tree lighting ceremony Nov. 29 at 6:30 p.m. in historic downtown Katy. The annual event has been a Katy tradition for more than 45 years, according to the city’s website.
This year’s event included entertainment by the Katy Elementary School’s fifth grade choir, Juleigh Holley’s School of Dance troop and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus.
City officials considered cancelling the event due to poor weather, but the weather cleared and people began to arrive, so the event was held, said Kayce Reina, the city’s director of tourism and marketing.
For those who were unable to make it, please enjoy this photo gallery.
The tree lighting took place at Katy City Hall, which is decorated in colored lights for the holiday season.
The area surrounding City Hall has a variety of decorations for the holidays. Bayou City Sound provided music before and after the lighting ceremony.
The interior of City Hall is also decorated with this tall tree nearly stretching up to the second floor.
Three snowmen greet visitors to City Hall.
The crowd for the ceremony was sparse at around 6 p.m., but holiday fans showed up with umbrellas in case weather became problematic.
The crowd grew over time.
Dozens of Katy area residents showed up, and the closed off portion of Avenue C was mostly full prior to the start of the ceremony.
Children danced and played with their parents in anticipation of seeing Santa at the event.
A food truck and coffee tent were available to provide refreshments.
The Katy Elementary School fifth grade choir performed Christmas carols to start the holiday celebration.
Entertainment was also provided by Juleigh Holley's School of Dance.
Mayor Chuck Brawner provided opening remarks for the ceremony. His wife, Marcy Brawner, was by his side for the event. Opening comments included a reading of "The Night Before Christmas" by Clement Clarke Moore.
Santa arrived in style in a convertible just before the tree was lit.
Santa provided a few comments of his own prior to the tree being lit.
As the lighting came closer, foam "snow" was provided to the delight of both children and adults.
The tree just before the power was turned on.
The crowd lit up and cheered as the lights on the tree came to life.
The tree was lit with hundreds of lights and red and gold decorations.
Santa stayed after the lighting for photo opportunities with Katy residents. Mayor Chuck Brawner was first in line.
Children enjoy a chance to speak with Santa and get their photo taken.
Adults were happy to spend a little quality time with Santa as well.
