The Billings Community Christmas tree was planted in 1931, but the tradition had to be restarted.
The third annual Christmas Tree Lighting brought people together at the Community Park off Division Street Friday evening.
Children helped Mayor Bill Cole pull the switch to turn on the lights.
The Billings Jaycees, along with the Billings Parks and Recreation Department, brought back the event.
The Billings Central High School Choir sang Christmas carols.
Santa Clause also made an appearance.
And the Western Heritage Center gave the history of the tree.
That history is important to those organizing the celebration.
"You do get the older generations that say we were here back when they used to light it and then all these kiddos running around excited to see Santa and excited to listen to music,” said Triniit Chavez, Billings Jaycees president-elect. “It's just so much fun. I always just kind of get teary eyed because it feels like the start of the holiday season. I love having everybody come together. It just feels so warm and like Christmas is here."
The tree was planted across Division Street for the children at St. Vincent Hospital...which is now Central High School.
