Ipreo Raleigh Winterfest draws thousands to downtown

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- ABC11 is a proud sponsor of Ipreo Raleigh Winterfest, a 10-week holiday event in downtown Raleigh, organized by the City of Raleigh and the Downtown Raleigh Alliance.

Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh was packed Saturday for festivities. Thousands gathered to enjoy rides, a visit from Santa, and a Gingerbread House competition. The night was capped off by the Mayor's Official Tree Lighting ceremony.

Watch the tree lighting ceremony

It was packed to watch the tree lighting in Raleigh

The Ipreo Raleigh Winterfest is produced by the Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA) in partnership with the City of Raleigh.

As an added bonus, Ice Raleigh, the area's only natural ice outdoor skating rink, will be open during the Winterfest festival and through Jan. 29, 2017. It costs $10 per skater, and $5 for children 4 years old or younger.

PHOTOS: ABC11 at Ipreo Raleigh Winterfest

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The Oakland Fire Department shared this before photo from the deadly Ghost Ship fire in Oakland, Calif. in their report released Monday, June 19, 2017.

Photo by the Oakland Fire Department

The event kicked off around noon and people enjoyed the music, food, and festivities all afternoon.

Plenty of viewers stopped by our ABC11 Pop-up Studio to say hello and get a picture with their favorite anchor or reporter.

People said they enjoyed their day downtown and the opportunity to be with with family.

If you missed our ABC11 Winterfest special or would like to see it again, watch the video in the player above.

PHOTOS: Holiday events around the Triangle

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Youngsville Chistmas Parade

ABC11 Photojournalist/Jeremy Baker

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