Villagers filled the rows of Lake Sumter Landing for the second of three Christmas tree lighting ceremonies at the squares in The Villages.

christmas-tree-at-lake-sumter-landing
The Christmas tree at Lake Sumter Landing

The air was filled with festive tunes and good cheer.  Many in the crowd brought their own chairs, suggesting that even seat-saving is on hold this holiday season.

Villagers showed out in force, bringing seats with them
Villagers showed out in force, bringing seats with them

Watch video from the event here:

As has been the case for 10 years, Villages Twirlers Captain Ann Pelle threw the ceremonial switch lighting up the tree.

Ann Pelle turns on the lights
Ann Pelle throws the switch to light up the tree at Lake Sumter Landing

Emcee Billie Thatcher gave the annual holiday command and also led Villagers in a sing-a-long of popular Christmas tunes, including “Jingle Bells,” “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and her personal favorite, “White Christmas.” 

Billie Thatcher sing-along at Lake Sumter Landing
Billie Thatcher leads Villagers in a Christmas-themed sing-along before the lighting

The crowd at Lake Sumter Landing enjoyed performances from The Village Cheerleaders, The Villages Twirlers and Drum Corps, The Aloha ‘O Ka Hula Dancers, The Prime Time Twirlers, The Silver Rockettes, and the Sweet and Sassy Line Dance Team, The Village Gypsies.

The third and final tree lighting ceremony of the season will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 at Brownwood Paddock Square.

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