On Sunday, dozens of families gathered behind the Joseph Aubain Ballpark in Frenchtown, St Thomas, to commemorate the annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree, an event that has been established in the Frenchtown community for well over 80 years by The Frenchtown Civic Organization. Onlookers enjoyed an evening of live music, dancing, refreshments, and surprise visits from Santa Claus and the Grinch.
This year’s Christmas tree, positioned outside of the Frenchtown Heritage Museum, hosts a variety of colorful ornaments and lights. Eventgoers were invited to take family photos in front of the tree as a keepsake, and children could be seen admiring its splendor throughout the event. (Source photo by Gabrielle Querrard)The Voices of Love Choir presented an array of Christmas songs for event attendees. Crowds of people could be seen and heard singing and dancing to the lively music throughout the evening. (Source photo by Gabrielle Querrard)Children rush to greet Santa Claus, who made his grand entrance on a fire truck whose lights illuminated the Frenchtown community. As the sirens on the fire truck grew louder on approach to the event, crowds of people rushed to the entrance to get a glimpse of St. Nick. (Source photo by Gabrielle Querrard)Happy children gather around Santa Claus to receive Christmas gifts. Children could be seen unwrapping gifts excitedly and showing off their new toys to their parents. (Source photo by Gabrielle Querrard)Community member, John Greaux rings bell in honor of the members of the French community who have passed away this year. Each bell toll was followed by a moment of silence. (Source Photo by Gabrielle Querrard)
