Watch Del Ray's Christmas Tree Lighting (Video)

ALEXANDRIA, VA—If you weren't in town for Del Ray's tree lighting or were at Holiday Boat Parade of Lights in Old Town, you can watch it here. The tree lighting happened at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Scroll down for the video below.

Del Ray lit the approximately 30-foot Christmas tree at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square (Mount Vernon and East Oxford Avenues). Santa arrived just in time by police escort to light the tree, sing Christmas carols and take photos with children.

Bill Blackburn and Mike Anderson, who run restaurants in Del Ray, donated the tree this year. Other businesses have also put up trees for the Del Ray Business Association's Best Decorated Tree contest. On top of that, Mount Vernon Avenue was illuminated by thousands of luminarias in honor of the late Nancy Dunning.

In between the lighting, there were plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy. Bellies and Babies Consignment Boutique had a live nativity scene at from 4 p.m.-6 p.m., and Evening Star Cafe served up hot chocolate and holiday movies at Front Porch after 6 p.m. Stomping Ground opened from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. for Christmas cookies and hot beverages.

Del Ray Artisans' Annual Holiday Market was also open before the ceremony. The market offers unique handmade products from local artists, including pottery, photography, jewelry, fiber, paper crafts and glass. Artists donate a percentage of their sales back to Del Ray Artisans to help support future exhibits and programs. Shoppers can stop by Dec. 1-3, Dec. 8-10 and Dec. 15-17 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. on Fridays and 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. on weekends.

Participants were urged to bring nonperishable food, toiletries, and diapers for Carpenter’s Shelter.

Watch a recap below.

SEE ALSO: Watch Alexandria's Holiday Boat Parade Of Lights

Images by Patch editor Emily Leayman