MADISON – The weather made the atmosphere feel just right for a Christmas celebration on Sunday. The temperature dropped as dozens of families kicked-off the season in downtown Madison.

The 6th annual Madison Station Polar Express Christmas on Main was held along Madison’s historic Main Street. The event started with the annual Children’s Lantern Parade and culminated with the lighting of the Christmas trees along Main Street.

Children lined up outside Old Black Bear and marched down Main Street carrying homemade paper lanterns. They were then read the Polar Express by Eileen Drummond, the Madison Public Library Youth Services Librarian, and an ensemble from the Madison City Community Orchestra provided live holiday music. The Rotary Club of Madison was on hand to provide free hot chocolate, and Madison Mayor Paul Finley helped count down the seconds before flipping the switch to light the dozens of trees on display.

“This has been a great way to kick-off the Christmas season,” said organizer Debbie Overcash. “It’s been a lot of fun to see the children’s faces light up and get excited with all the decorated trees.”

Decorated Christmas trees now line the area between Main Street Café and Sullivan Street. They are part of the 2019 Christmas tree decorating contest. Businesses, groups, organizations and individuals enter the contest and decorate a tree along Main Street. Participants are eligible for awards, including “Mayor’s Choice”, “Most Creative” and “Honorable Mention”. The awards will be presented at the Jan. 13, 2020 city council meeting at 6 p.m.

The exhibit was started in 2013 and is sponsored by the City of Madison, the Madison Station Historic Preservation Society, the Madison Sesquicentennial Committee, the Madison Arts Council, the Madison Public Library and the Madison City Community Orchestra.