Provo residents gathered at the Shops at Riverwoods on Friday, Nov. 22 to count down the lighting of the shops' Christmas lights.
The Shops at Riverwoods is an outdoor shopping area located at 4801 N. University Ave. The event was set in the center of the shops outside of Seven Brothers and Allyse’s Bridal and was attended by couples, families and individuals both young and old.
The event included live entertainment, Santa Claus in his sleigh, store promotions, life-sized photo-ops, fireworks and a special appearance from Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi.
Friends and families of Provo watched the fireworks and children danced along to Christmas music and the musical talents of Hailey Belle Bennett, Amy Geis Lorsch and Songs and Tales of Cupid.
When asked how she would describe the overall atmosphere of the event, Addie Woods, a UVU college student, said it was cheerful.
“You could just feel the holiday spirit,” Woods said.
Kaufusi flipped the light switch and the shops lit up with millions of lights.
Bailey Bushman, a BYU student, said the lighting ceremony set the tone for the next month.
“There was a great community, Provo community. We had the mayor there, she was at the podium with the band. It was just good holiday spirit,” Bushman said.
On Kaufusi’s Instagram post about the lighting ceremony, she described the evening as magical.
“It was such a joy to flip the switch and light up the Riverwoods with so many of you tonight. The lights are absolutely dazzling — come experience the magic!” she wrote.
More holiday events hosted at the Shops at Riverwoods throughout the season can be found on their website.
