The magic of the holiday season was felt in Orillia on Friday evening during the annual Children's Candlelight Parade.
Hundreds of people walked together up Mississaga Street East with candles in hand to see the lighting of the tree in front of the Orillia Opera House.
Megan Murray, a member of the Downtown Orillia Management Board, says the event aims to create community involvement.
"It's something we've been doing for a long time specifically for the kids," she said. "It's such a lovely way to kick off the holiday season."
She described the atmosphere in downtown Orillia on Friday as "really festive."
"Everyone is so pleased to be here. All of the shops and people downtown love seeing the kids go by," she said.
The event gets people into the holiday spirit, she says.
"They got their candles and walked up the main street while singing Christmas carols. I really love that forward community movement," she said. "I love how we can use our downtown to come together as a community to celebrate the holidays."
Following the lighting of the tree, two holiday markets opened — one at the Orillia Public Library and another across the street at Creative Nomad Studios.
"Kids got to meet Santa and write him a letter," Murray said. "We had vendors and food for everyone to enjoy."
The markets were a new feature of the popular parade.
"It was really neat. It allowed everyone to mingle with their neighbours," Murray said.
The markets also allowed local vendors and businesses to showcase their items.
"It's the big kickoff to the holiday season for our businesses," Murray said. "By the end of this weekend, it will really feel like holiday time."
Murray, who owns Jack & Maddy A Kids' Store, is hoping Friday's festivities will bring people back downtown to do their holiday shopping.
"Our local shops need support," she said. "Orillia has been incredibly generous to their local downtown merchants and we love to see them every year."
