O Christmas Tree

Miz Claus watches as Santa Claus points to a child who he would then take a picture with during the tree lighting ceremony Dec. 5 at the Columbus Riverwalk. The event was sponsored by Columbus Main Street, the City of Columbus, Prestige Event Rentals, McAlister's Deli, Sweet Peppers Deli and Coffee House on 5th. Photo by: Jennifer Mosbrucker/Dispatch Staff

Mayor Smith speaks before turning on the Christmas tree’s lights Dec. 5 at the Columbus Riverwalk. Christmas carols were sung by the Columbus Choral Society leading up to the lighting as families drank hot chocolate, ate cookies and wrote letters to Santa. Photo by: Jennifer Mosbrucker/Dispatch Staff

From left to right, Evan Palmer,13, son of Heather and Bobby Palmer, Annabelle Brislin, 8, daughter of Amber and Quinn Brislin, John Davis Clark, 7, son of Hope and Brian Clark, and Charles Glenn, 7, son of Robby and Frances Glenn, watch in awe as Mayor Robert E. Smith, Sr. turned the lights on for the Christmas tree Dec. 5 at the Columbus Riverwalk. “Wow,” the kids exclaimed as they peeked through their 3D glasses. Photo by: Jennifer Mosbrucker/Dispatch Staff

The Christmas tree by the Columbus Riverwalk was turned on during the annual tree lighting ceremony Dec. 5. The tree was chosen because of its location. It can be seen from downtown as well as from Highway 82. Before moving to the Riverwalk, the annual tree lighting was held adjacent to the Tennessee Williams home on Main St. Photo by: Jennifer Mosbrucker/Dispatch Staff

Eleanor Webb, 4, daughter of Derek Webb and Amber Handy, places her letter to Santa in a mailbox Dec. 5 at the Columbus Riverwalk. Webb asked for markers, an Elsa dress and an Anna dress. Anne Clark Shepherd, a member of the Mayor’s Youth Council, helped her draft her letter. Photo by: Jennifer Mosbrucker/Dispatch Staff

Members of the Columbus Mayor’s Youth Council smile with Miz Claus and Santa Claus following the tree lighting ceremony Dec. 5, when the mayor flipped the lights on for the Christmas tree by the Columbus Riverwalk. Photo by: Jennifer Mosbrucker/Dispatch Staff