Hundreds turned out Dec. 3 for the lighting of the Del Ray Christmas Tree in Pat Miller Neighborhood Square.

Former Mayor Bill Euille made the countdown to light the 32-foot-tall tree and was joined by Santa Claus, Kate Moran of the Rainbow Rock Band and members of City Council.

The festivities included holiday carols and photos with Santa. Windows along Mount Vernon Avenue were hand-painted with holiday art, and Mount Vernon Avenue was illuminated by thousands of luminarias in honor of the late Nancy Dunning.

The event also served as a fundraiser for Carpenter’s Shelter as attendees were encouraged to bring donations of various goods for the facility. A check for $1,000 was presented to Shannon Steele, Executive Director of Carpenter’s Shelter, from Ting Wireless representatives.

The event was sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association. Other DRBA holiday events include the Shops of Del Ray’s Sip & Shop Dec. 7 from 6-9 p.m. and the Candy Cane Bar Crawl Dec. 9 from 12:30-6 p.m. Attendees who purchase a ticket will receive food and drink specials, raffles, photo booth, trolley transportation and holiday cheer at 22 participating Del Ray restaurants. The event will benefit Community Lodgings and the Mother of Light Center.

visit www.visitdelray.com.

Photos by Janet Barnett/Gazette Packet

Shannon Steele, left, Executive Director of Carpenter’s Shelter, accepts a check from Ting representative Irene Laster and Catharine Rice at the Del Ray Christmas Tree Lighting Dec. 3 at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square.

Ann and Joey Schneider enjoy the festivities at the Dec. 3 lighting of the Del Ray Christmas Tree in Pat Miller Neighborhood Square.

Visitors enjoy the decorations at the Del Ray Christmas Tree lighting Dec. 3 in Pat Miller Neighborhood Square.