Friday night, thousands packed Town Square Park for the annual AT&T Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, marking the official start of the holiday season in Anchorage.


Alaskans enjoyed free hot cocoa and cookies, kids got to meet Santa Claus and his reindeer, and Alaskans gave back through donations to Toys for Tots.


Live music was provided by the Salvation Army Brass Band and the Anchorage Concert Chorus.


The Anchorage Downtown Partnership said they plan to leave the lights up for everyone to enjoy for a few months.