Twinkling lights and the sound of Christmas carols filled the City Focus as people gathered around Rotorua's Christmas tree for tonight's light ceremony.
The lights were turned on at 7pm, with the Western Heights High School choir singing Christmas songs under the tree, and the Salvation Army band finishing off with a few tunes.
Rotorua Lakes Council project manager Mandy Godo said it was the perfect night to turn on the Christmas tree lights because it was also the return of the summer extension of the night market.
People were encouraged to bring cans along and drop them off for the Rotorua Daily Post Salvation Army foodbank appeal.