HOUSTON — The 7th Annual Memorial City lights kicked off their Christmas season at the Memorial City Mall. 3.5 million Christmas lights will now shine bright every night inside and outside the mall.
“Christmas kind of starts today for me," 10-year-old Tijan Gillen said.
For Tijan, it’s never too soon for Saint Nick.
“I think it’s time for people to start getting into the Christmas spirit," Tijan said.
His little brother Yele is ready too, especially for Santa.
“They’re going to light the tree, and then Santa's going to come," Yele said. "Because I've been good.”
Memorial City Mall was jam packed for its seventh annual lighting festival. Thousands attended the event, even those new to Houston.
“It’s never too soon for Christmas. We always get our decorations out early anyways, especially since we live in a different place now. We don’t live close to family so we try to make sure we enjoy Christmas as long as we can," Marcy Garcia said.
A few familiar faces took the stage. KHOU Chief Meteorologist David Paul and Great Day Houston Host Debra Duncan took the stage to host the night, which featured drum playing reindeer, singers, dancers, and yes, Santa himself took the stage.
Then of course, the lights came on, the very moment everyone had been waiting for.
The magical night ended with a little more magic inside the mall. Snow fell from the ceiling, the wonder that welcomed in the Christmas season.
“To be happy, don’t get mad, have fun, enjoy it with your friends and family. Try to be good so you will get a lot of gifts," Tijan said.