The City of West Columbia kicked off the Christmas season, Friday, with an evening of music, community spirit, and traditions. It was the City’s 21st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting.

“What Christmas Means to Me” elementary school essay contest winners read their winning entries and student artwork of contest winners adorned the grounds around West Columbia City Hall.

The program included Christmas carols, greetings from Master of Ceremonies Pastor Dow Welsh of Holland Avenue Baptist Church and Special Readings from Mrs. Claus. Students from East point Academy and Northside Middle School sang Christmas songs and a horned ensemble from Northside blew out Christmas tines.
Outside of the heated tents City Staff set up due to damp and threatening weather, there was Hot Chocolate and Cookies.

After the Christmas music, festivities and a seasonal message delivered by Welsh, the switch to light up the City’s Christmas tree was flipped with the help of West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles and the essay and art-winning kids.