ORLANDO, Fla. — The holiday season is upon us and the city of Maitland has kicked it off with its annual Season of Light celebration.

It's an event that brings the community together with food, music and the lighting of its Christmas tree.

What You Need To Know

  •  The city of Maitland hosted its annual Season of Light celebration at Lake Lilly Park.

  •  It was highlighted by the lighting of its Christmas tree on the lake

  •  The event included more than a dozen vendors offering food, merchandise, snow sledding for families to enjoy, and Santa Claus

Celebrating the lighting of the Christmas tree at Lake Lilly Park is an annual tradition for the city of Maitland and has a special place in the heart of Walter Thompson.

“It was just as magical as I remembered it," said Walter. “I think it’s been amazing. I did the tree lighting last year, and that was awesome, and I think this is overall a great place to be."

But it doesn’t just stop with Walter. 

His brother, Jack, performed with his Maitland Middle School band at the event, and gave families a chance to take a step back and enjoy the festivities.

“I think it’s great to come out and support the kids, and it’s really nice for the city to put this together every year, and we really appreciate it," Dan Thompson, Walter's father, said.

The event included more than a dozen vendors offering food, merchandise, snow sledding for families to enjoy, and even had an appearance from jolly 'ol Saint Nick. 

It offered something for everyone in the community to do, which is exactly what Mayor John Lowndes says it was intended to do. 

“It’s important I think for everyone to kind of take a little moment to reflect on who’s around them and their family and friends, and come and make new friends," Lowndes said.

Those words proved true for Victor Banks, who came to the season of light for a special reason.

“I’m on thirty days leave (in the military). My family lives here, and this is kind of like our little break before I’m back permanently. So, I had to come back for Christmas," Banks said.

Banks has to return to Paraguay after his leave his up, so he wants to create as many memories as possible while he can in a place his family calls home.

“It’s been wonderful. I miss them a lot, so I don’t know. I just want to do anything we can do, and everything we can. We’re going to do it," Banks said.