Warming up the crowd with a medley from White Christmas, Red Mountain Theater Company’s youth ensemble performed several Christmas carol classics.

With the help of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra Chorus, the Alabama Ballet, Red Mountain Theater Company and Magic 96’s morning show duo, Rob and Jeannine, The Outlet Shops of Grand River (TOSOGR) welcomed the Christmas season by hosting its annual tree lighting event.

Caroling and cookie decorating were several activities that enticed Santa Claus to visit the shops, too.

Magic 96 morning show hosts, Rob and Jeannine, took to the stage first, hyping the crowd.

“What a great time to share in the magic of Christmas as we show how much we care about our families, friends and community,” said Rob.

A majestic version of Handel’s Messiah was as the Alabama Symphony Orchestra Chorus sang, ending their set with a triumphant rendition of Hallelujah.

B-Metro magazine’s editor and publisher Joe O’Donnell took a moment to recognize several people throughout the Birmingham metro community who embody the true spirit of the holidays.

“The great thing about events like this is how it brings us all together,” O’Donnell said. “Like B-Metro, these people put community first. We share a sense of goodwill and love.”

Honoring three of the six people featured in this month’s issue for their community service driven focus, O’Donnell brought Kara Myers and Christy Christian, both members of the Birmingham Junior League, and Doug Neil, vice president of development and marketing for Daniel Corporation.

Next, Red Mountain Theater’s youth ensemble performed an excerpt from their holiday show—Holidaze.

After hearing several songs, including a medley of songs heard throughout the Christmas movie classic, White Christmas, Jeannine described her perfect Christmas gift.

“Theatre tickets always fit,” said Jeannine. “Red Mountain Theater was where my husband and I went on our first date.”

TOSOGR also asked attendees to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to Children’s of Alabama’s Sugar Plum Shop, which is a program offered at Children’s Hospital for patients and their families who spend the holidays in the hospital.

Offering another way to bring the Christmas season to life is being featured now through December 31 as TOSOGR present Grand Nights of Lights.

This light show will take place Monday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. across from Coach Factory, next to Loft.

These are five-minute shows that go on every 30 minutes.

3D glasses are available at TOSOGR guest services for a one-dollar donation to Children’s of Alabama.

Bringing in the big guy in the red suit for the moment everyone was there for, Santa and Mrs. Claus took center stage.

Santa asked if everyone was ready to light the tree. The crowd eagerly replied, “Yes!”

“It won’t light unless everyone has been good,” Santa said.

After a crowd assisted countdown, the 23’ tree began to glow.

“I see everyone’s been good,” said Santa.

The third annual tree lighting came to its end as Santa wished everyone a very Merry Christmas!