The holiday season illuminated Montclair's Church Street on Friday night with the flip of a switch. 

A large crowd gathered in the heart of the town's business district for the annual Christmas tree lighting on Friday. The music of the Montclair Community Band filled the keen, clear night, there was hot cocoa flowing, and Santa even dropped by for a visit.

Resident Wayne Robbins, of Inside Montclair, filmed the holiday event again this year. The video above includes holiday greetings from local merchants, who stayed open late to greet the crowds and kick-start the holiday shopping season.