Mayor Bob Buckhorn with Santa and Mrs. Claus after the tree lighting. Credit: Nicole Abbett

Historic Ybor City hosted its 4th annual Rockefeller Center-style tree lighting ceremony last night in the Centro Ybor Courtyard and boy did it feel like New York City. There was one point when nearly all of the crowd arrived, covering both sides of the street and corners adjacent to 16th St. in and across from Centro Ybor, when the traffic backed up. Mostly congested with city buses and taxis, it was at that moment that all of the 7th Ave. surroundings, adding to the chill in the air and the dazzling lights made me feel like I was on 5th Ave in NYC. The only thing that was missing was snow.

Mayor Bob Buckhorn and the crowd count down to the lighting of the tree. Credit: Nicole Abbett

Before and during the ceremony, free hot chocolate topped with mini marshmallows, courtesy of Hamburger Mary’s, delighted the crowd as well as more than 2,000 sugar cookies from Jameson Blue Bakehouse, who are located inside of the old Laughing Cat kitchen.

Band director John Davis from Riverview High School and the Riverview High School Band provided a cheery arrangement of live holiday music throughout the evening.

While many rushed to take photos with Santa after the tree lighting ceremony, the real party continued at The RITZ Ybor at their annual Miracle on 7th Avenue party.

Santa and Mrs. Claus made their way over and guests of all ages came to sit on Santa and Mrs. Claus’ lap, shouting and whispering their Christmas wishes into his ear. Speciality egg nog martinis and spiked apple cider libations were shared amongst the grown-ups. Publix Greenwise donated double chocolate chip and cranberry-orange oatmeal cookies. The double chocolate chip cookies are my favorite and I apologize if some of them were missing.