WORCESTER, Mass. - The city of Worcester kicked off the holiday season Friday night with its annual Festival of Lights. 

Students from Rice Square Elementary School performed at the free, family-friendly event.

It was a night jam-packed with activities including the city lighting up their tree, other lighting displays around the common, ice skating, food vendors and community organizations.

Despite some slightly wet weather, the festival had a nice turnout, and people down in the common were happy to get into the holiday spirit. 

"I think it's great, it's great for the city," said Kevin Cox.

"It's absolutely beautiful," said Naana Atta. "Every year, me and my daughter, we look forward to it. This is like our third time coming here. We look forward to it every year. this year she got to perform, so I'm pretty excited coming here every year. I think the city does a good job organizing it and bringing families together."

Friday night's headline performance was by Michelle Brooks Thompson, a finalist on NBC's "The Voice." Thompson is a Springfield native.