Christmas in the capital began with the tree lighting at Grove Plaza

BOISE, IDAHO – Hundreds gathered at Plaza Grove in downtown Boise Friday evening for the annual tree lighting and opening of Glide on the Grove.

• The slideway on the grove is available to skaters.
• The tree was lit in the presence of hundreds of people, including Santa Claus.

(The following is a transcription of the full broadcast story.)

Now that the Thanksgiving leftovers are in the fridge, it’s time to turn up the Christmas music and spread some holiday cheer. I’m your neighborhood reporter Alexander Huddleston in Grove Plaza, where a large tree was just set on fire!

Hundreds gathered at Grove Plaza on Friday as holiday cheer filled the air.

“I’m excited. I didn’t even know this was happening. It seems like it’s a lot of fun,” said Annika Vermooten.

It was a lot of fun, with live music and even an appearance from Santa Claus.

Justine Crossland said: “I think it’s the perfect way to start Christmas. I think it ignites the Christmas magic in all of us.”

“I had a lot of fun. My favorite part was when the tree was lit,” Crossland’s daughter added.

As I chatted with the participants, I found a family who had not been to the event since the Corona crisis.

Pete Johnson smiled and said, “It’s great. The candles and the lighting of the tree have such a special meaning, it really brings Christmas and the meaning of Christmas home.”

Glide on the Grove is also now officially open for people to rent skates and ride the Glide there for free.