UPDATE: 5:18 p.m.

Hundreds -- if not thousands -- of people took to the streets of downtown Kelowna on Saturday evening to take in the annual Christmas Tree Light Up at Stuart Park.

Cheers could be heard from a distance as the crowd cheered on the lighting of the tree and the return of an annual family-friendly event.

Mayor Tom Dyas and council member Rick Webber were in attendance to ring in the holiday season.

People then took to the ice rink and the downtown winter market to enjoy the rest of the evening.

Dozens of local vendors are set up along Water Street and in Stuart Park, selling their wares, while musicians will be playing throughout the day. The outdoor skating rink in Stuart Park also opened last week.

“It's all about celebrating the beginning of festive season. We've got over 50 vendors, artisans and entertainment out here on Water Street now until 6 p.m.,” said Mark Burley, executive director of the Downtown Kelowna Association.

“It's really busy already, it's crazy. The market is full of people visiting our vendors, grabbing mini donuts and hot chocolate and Winter Street Market mugs. We've got a whole bunch of people down here already.”

The Christmas tree light-up will take place in Stuart Park at 4:45 p.m.

For those looking to do some holiday shopping indoors this weekend, Craft Culture's holiday market has also returned to Prospera Place. There are 180 vendors set up inside the arena, featuring local crafters and artisans.

That event runs until 5 p.m. Saturday, and continues from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $7, while children under 12 can get in free.