Photo: Chantelle Deacon

The first annual Penticton Tree Lighting Festival proved to be a success on Thursday evening.

Downtown Penticton stores were open after hours to hand out christmas treats and hot chocolate.

“This was the first tree light up and open house in Penticton for a few years,” said Lynn Allin, executive director, Downtown Penticton Association. “We are really excited to do it in our Nanaimo Square, which is our downtown centre.”

Many families showed up to the event to decorate gingerbread cookies and play in the bouncy castle.

A large Christmas tree lit up briefly to signify the end of the evening and the beginning of the Christmas season.

“The weather participated, the lights and the children were here,” Allin said. “There was lots of activities and it was really successful.”  

The event took place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Main St.