 The Broken Arrow community gathered to celebrate the start of the holiday season on a brisk 55-degree Christmas in Broken Arrow evening on Nov. 14.
An aroma of cinnamon pecans and kettle corn was in the air for this fifth annual tree-lighting celebration in the Rose District.
With the flip of a switch, following a countdown led by the City Council and City Manager Michael Spurgeon, the city turned into a winter wonderland in the shadow of a 35-foot Christmas tree with a three-foot-tall star on the top.
There was ice skating, carriage rides, and people dancing and swaying to the smooth jazz sounds of Grady Nichols and his band playing songs of the season.
"This is a Hallmark moment!" declared Councilor Johnnie Parks. "Those of you who like Hallmark movies like me, this is it, this is it!"
Click on the image below to see a highlight video of the night's festivities.
 Retired teacher Jean Garrett has lived in Broken Arrow since 1957 but had never attended Christmas in Broken Arrow until this year when she and her son Doug saw it talked about on the news.
"I love the lights and the trees; it's wonderful. Who would ever think Broken Arrow could be like this? Garrett said. "When I think of how it was back in 1957. It's amazing, all the differences from then until now."
"As a lifelong Broken Arrowan, I can't believe it; everything is so nice," said Doug Garrett. "The tree is spectacular, the whole vibe— Grady Nichols, all the lights, the crowd being festive, it's pretty cool."
Alisa Norris and her family of five are originally from Virginia but moved to Broken Arrow 16 years ago. She says the excitement of Christmas brings them back year after year for the annual celebration.
"The tree lighting and all that, it's joyous!" Norris said.
Christmas in Broken Arrow is also an annual tradition for the Howerton family, who have attended the tree-lighting ceremony for the last four years.
"This is our community, it's our fourth year, and we really appreciate events like this," said Cameron Howerton. "I love all the vendors out here. This event is getting bigger and bigger every year."
"Yes, keep doing it, keep doing it," said Chelsea Howerton. "And the smells really add to the ambiance."
Son Wyatt said his favorite part was doing the countdown when the lights turned on for the first time. And while the little one expected to see Santa in his sleigh, he didn't expect to see him at Andolini's restaurant before the event.
"He got a special visit," Chelsea Howerton said with a laugh, "He said, 'I didn't know Santa ate pizza!"
Visit Christmas in Broken Arrow to explore additional holiday events scheduled throughout the city this season.
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