ROCHESTER N.Y. — As lights deck out the liberty pole, hundreds of people made their way to downtown Rochester to take part in quite the shining and seasonal occasion.

“I’m excited. I’ve never been down here before to see this and it will be my first time and all the people are down here,” said Robyn Snyder, who has lived in Rochester for nearly 26 years. Snyder adds that participating in the pole lighting is the holiday start she needs.

“My daughter’s down in New Zealand right now, and it’s kind of a downer for me because I won’t see her this year and this is very Christmas-like and spirited.”

Lots of Rochester families too are new to the experience. With the influence of Christmas, as well as their kids, they wanted to see firsthand.

Like Alanna Krouth and mother Natalie Krouth, both thrilled for the event.

“It is fun for the both of us and she’s at that age that it’s fun to come out and see an event like this,” said Natalie.

“We love it, seeing the Christmas carols and lights light up, and I love it because Rochester gets to come together,” said father Terrance German, who brought his son to the event.

With live performances following the main event, Mayor Lovely Warren invited local youth in helping her flip the switch to activate hundreds of bulbs.

Other activities took place all throughout the evening, and the party continued at other nearby free events, which included a parade, ice skating, wagon-horse rides and more.

Lighting of the Liberty Pole officially kicked off the holiday season.