Oakville flips the switch on Christmas

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAMILLE GUSHWAY

Oakville officially kicked off the holidays last Friday as families gathered in Towne Square to watch the 40-foot Christmas tree light up.

They also enjoyed live Christmas music and treat samples. Children sat in front of the stage, singing along to songs and awaiting a special appearance from Santa Claus. Even with the temperature dropping in the evening, people kept warm with a cup of coffee, tea or apple cider.

“For kids, it’s great,” said Monica Lewis, an Oakville resident. “We were here last year with the kids, and honestly, I think my husband and I might have enjoyed it a little more than the kids.”

“Despite the cold, I think everyone’s enjoying themselves,” said Alexander Stasiuk, an Oakville resident. “When everyone comes together, especially at this time of the year, we’re all just a little more happier. So having an event like this is nice, it gives Oakville a chance to celebrate the upcoming holidays.”

The ceremony began at 7 p.m. when My Pop Choir sang classic Christmas tunes for the audience. People sang along to familiar classics like “O Night Divine,” “Joy to the World,” “Let it Snow” and “Jingle Bell Rock.” Students from Merriam Music showed off their singing skills as well.

“The singers did a wonderful job,” said Bridgette Kousson, a Mississauga resident. “I obviously can’t speak for everyone, but I think the Christmas carols really get people into the whole spirit of the holidays. They’re joyous and cheerful; it pretty much sums up Christmas.”

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Mayor Rob Burton stopped by at the ceremony and the children got a surprise visit from Santa Claus. Some had their Christmas wish lists ready to hand him personally.

“For my kids, I think the tree comes second and Santa comes first,” said Joseph Colwill, an Oakville resident. “Even though it’s still November, seeing Santa would probably put anyone in the Christmas spirit, instantly.”

Before Santa left to prepare for Oakville’s Santa Claus Parade, he did the honours of lighting the Christmas tree in Towne Square. Cheering and clapping filled the air as the tree came to life with hundreds of lights.

“We’ll be back next year, for sure,” said Samuel Gero, an Oakville resident. “This year we’re actually traveling to England to see my wife’s family. But we definitely wanted to be here and watch the tree lighting before we take off, and we’re just as impressed as we were last year.”