Community members gathered in Cary and Durham as members of the ABC11 helped kick off the holiday celebrations.
The official kickoff to the holiday season started in Downtown Cary Park for the Christmas tree lighting.
"The Christmas tree lighting was really cool. And it was, it was magical. When they pressed the button, they just lit it up," said Sihyeon Kim, of Cary.
The more than 30-year tradition brings plenty of fun for the entire family, like a Christmas Village.
Ashley Young lives a block away from the park, and says she loves how much there is to do and enjoy.
"Santa's over there. Food trucks, and there's a snowball fight. Fake snow. But we love that. It's fun," she said.
Cary marks start of holiday season with tree lighting
A familiar face also joined in on the fun this year. ABC11's own Lauren Johnson hosted the celebration in Cary on Saturday.
"My mom's here with me, and she said, 'Lauren, if you cannot get in the Christmas spirit here, you cannot get in the Christmas spirit,'" Johnson said. "We say it all the time, ABC11 Together, and I think this is an example of how we mean that during the holidays."
Cary wasn't the only place in the Triangle getting into the holiday spirit.
Watch: Durham performs its annual tree lighting
The Bull City also lit up the city's Christmas tree, thanks to the help of another familiar face.
ABC11's Bianca Holman was on stage for the festivities, as she and others welcomed the crowd and introduced music acts.
Mark McCahill says the festivities are a great way to get the community together.
"The crowds, scene, the music. So here we are," he said. "It's a time to get together. And it's not hot. For once, it's cold."
Attendees said everyone should mark their calendars for next year's celebrations.
"If you didn't come here this year, then you should probably come your next year," said Kim.
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