MOLINE, Ill. — Hundreds gathered in downtown Moline for the annual holiday lighting ceremony to kick off the holidays Saturday night.
It's the 25th annual, Lighting on the Commons, at the John Deere Pavilion in Downtown Moline. The event included live music, hot chocolate, cider, and cookies. Santa and Mrs. Claus also made a special appearance, so kids can sit and tell Santa what they want for Christmas.
Amanda Carlson, who is new to the Quad Cities, attended the event with her family and said they love the holidays.
"This is our favorite time of the year," Carlson said. "We really like to get out and about."
This year's lighting on the commons was the second time the event took place since it was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic.
"You had your little groups for the holidays for last couple years," Carlson said. "Now we all feel like we can come out and explore and not feel too sheltered anymore."
The night capped off with a countdown to the flip of the switch, revealing all the lights by the John Deere Pavilion and Vibrant Arena at the Mark.
Several sponsors and partners helped out with the event, including the Vibrant Arena at the Mark, MidAmerican Energy, the City of Moline, Moline Centre and Metro Link.
The lighting ceremony was followed by a fireworks show. The lights will remain hung up throughout the holiday season.
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