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City’s Christmas tree set aglow – Metro US

City’s Christmas tree set aglow

The Vancouver Art Gallery lit up like Rockefeller Center last night when hometown girl Diana Krall and husband Elvis Costello flipped the switch on Western Canada’s largest Christmas tree.

Around 400 people turned out for the Third Annual Amacon Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration, where they were treated to performances from the Vancouver Children’s Choir, and appearances from the Vancouver Giants — and Santa himself.

“I think it was really great for downtown,” said Vancouver dad Justin Burggraeve. “This kind of thing only does positive things for our city.”

Burggraeve, who attended with his family, was happy there was an outdoor event his kids could enjoy. “The kids totally loved it,” he said. “They always love meeting Santa.”

North Vancouver resident Trish Cotter hopes the success of these events leads to more for the city.

“We live in such a beautiful place,” she said. “Vancouver should have more of these things. We just loved it.”

The night was hosted by Rock 101’s Bro Jake. Proceeds from the event will benefit a number of charities, totalling more than $350,000 to date.