WIth a countdown and a flip of a switch, the official holiday season started in Norfolk Saturday night.
At 7 p.m. lights lit up the skyline as the Grand Illumination Parade got underway.
"It's wonderful, we love Christmas," said Jennifer Bent. She brought her five children to the parade.
"I'm very excited," said her 8-year-old daughter Sarah. "All of the candy throwing and everything."
Captain Richard Phillips of the Maersk Alabama was the Grand Marshal of the parade and led the procession. Dozens of ornate floats, marching bands, and decorated cars snaked through downtown Norfolk for more than an hour.
Then thousands of children cheered as the last float with Santa on it passed.
"He's the most coolest guy in the world and he gives you presents," said 9-year-old Joshua Lawson.
"I think it's great that the city still puts this on and they get the turnout they get every year," said Jim Smith of Chesapeake. "I think it's a great production."
With thousands of people downtown, Waterside shop owner Sharon Hogan said she saw a boost in business.
"It's fun to have a parade," Hogan said. "It's fun that it brings people down to Waterside."
This was the 25th anniversary of the parade. The skyline will stay illuminated throughout the holiday season.
