NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Holiday festivities took place all around Hampton Roads today.

In Newport News, the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony kicked off at City Center.

One of Newport News' most beloved holiday traditions, the lighting ceremony brought many people, families, neighbors, visitors traveling from near and far for the "N-Light-N" tree lighting ceremony.

Newport News Superintendent of Special Events Shelly Ezanno tells 13News Now organizers prepared for a much larger crowd than recent years.

"We're expecting between 8,000 and 10,000 people," said Ezanno.

The event featured festive activities like pictures with Santa, local food, holiday gift vendors, and a lineup of special performances including multi-platinum artist Mario.

"Timber," Newport News' 50-foot talking tree,

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