Virgil brightened up on Thursday evening as the lights on the large pine tree in front of the town offices on Four Mile Creek Road were lit; a symbolic start to the holiday season in Virgil.

The NOTL Ukesters performed a selection of festive songs to a small crowd. Hot apple cider and snacks, provided by Dan Williams, were available to warm up onlookers as they eagerly awaited the tree’s lighting.

Just as the lights on the tree were switched on, Santa Claus appeared to take photos with the crowd. The tree lighting was an initiative by the Virgil Business Association which was adopted by the town this year.