The cold does not prevent crowds from enjoying the lighting of the downtown Christmas trees

Despite the low temperatures, a crowd of locals and people from all over the world took a break from the Black Friday stores to pause and watch the annual Macy tree lighting in downtown Crossing.

Singers J. Valentine and Keri Hilson opened the evening with a mix of original songs and traditional songs, in front of Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh, several Boston city councilors and, of course, Santa Claus took the lead. say to steer the countdown to the tree. lighting.

"It's one of my favorite events," Walsh told the crowd. "He officially starts the holiday season."

When the crowd finally counted down, colorful streamers and white confetti burst into the air, Macy's Christmas tree lit up in color and the crowd enjoyed the excitement of the holidays.

"I was ready to share the spirit of Christmas," said Mary Babb, 44, of Winthrop, who came to light trees with a glittering headband. handmade, green and red earrings and a Christmas themed beaded necklace. "Boston during the holidays – I love it."

Robin Cushman, 33, said she had brought her two sons to the lighting of Downtown Crossing trees over the past eight years.

"It's spectacular, and Macy's has always been so inviting," said Cushman. "It's our opening at Christmas."

Cushman said that she and her family had moved from Boston to Peabody four years ago, but that they come back every Christmas to see the tree illuminate.

His 8 year old son Brady said he remembered his favorite parts of the event each year.

"I really liked it when the tree was lit up today," said Brady, who wore reindeer antlers and a garland of Christmas lights around his neck. "Confetti has blown everywhere today."

Many participants said that they came from abroad.

"We have heard such good things about Boston," said Jacqui Mee, 54, who has traveled from London. "Macy's Christmas is well known around the world. What would you do more? It's just magic.

Alba Gutierrez, 28, recently took a job at Harvard Medical Center, but is originally from Spain, she said. It's his first Christmas in the United States.

"Christmas here is like an American movie," said Gutierrez. "We do not have all these shows in Spain. It's completely different.

Even though the crowd started to get nervous, many people said it was worth it.

"I do not think our tree will be that big," said Rod Mee, 55, married to Jacqui Mee. "But I hope it will be so brilliant."

Elise Takahama can be contacted at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @elisetakahama.