Sweetland Amphitheatre lit up its Christmas Tree Thursday night. Local music group Front Porch Collective played “O Christmas Tree” while attendants held candles and sang along as the tree’s lights were turned on.

Director Becca Eiland said the event will become a new tradition for the amphitheater.

“I think it was just the opportunity to create an occasion around that idea of forming a tradition and having Christmas caroling and the lights,” Eiland said.

Attendants were given free hot chocolate and Santa was present for children to meet him.

People gathered under the entrance of the amphitheater as cold rain came down.

Eiland joked that next year, the amphitheater will make next year’s event warm.

“We’re going to change the weather. We’re going to make sure it’s nice and warm,” she said.

“We were happy with the turnout despite the weather so we appreciate everybody who did come out.”