MACON, Ga. — All is merry and bright in downtown Macon, because Friday night marked the start of the Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza.
The annual tradition is back and set to be bigger than ever, and despite the chilly temperatures hundreds of people filled Poplar Street for the show.
Soon after the Christmas Lights flickered on at 6:00 p.m., the Macon Pops started to jingle bell rock.
"I haven't seen a light show since I was a little kid, so this is a first," Thomas Brewer said.
Like many others he came out with friends and bundled up to hear his favorite Christmas classics. The pops played many songs from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer to Little Drummer Boy. Each song featured lights blinking in sync with the beat.
"It's actually good," Brewer said. "I like it so far, I've never done anything like this in Macon."
Families created new memories at the show, and were even sad when it ended.
"I like Christmas. I like the lights," Alice Dugger said. "I'm a kid at heart, so I love it."
After experiencing the fun, people are already planning for the future holidays.
"It's a sad story that I only came one time," Willie Raines said. "I need to come next year, and again, and again, and again."
Although the Macon Pops rocked the stage, the true stars might have been the kids. They danced, sang and had a jolly time.
The Thomas and Young families came out with their kids, Ashyah, Joe, Sage, and Sanyia. They dressed festive in their Grinch-themed jackets. The kids say they enjoyed the lights and music the most.
Brenen Scott also enjoyed the lights.
"There's a million out here and I like all the colors and the Christmas spirit," Scott said.
All the kids told us it's a great countdown until their favorite part of the holiday:
"The gifts and the food," Scott said.
The show begins at the top of every hour starting at 6:00 p.m. It's about 45 minutes long timed out to the music, then the lights stay on from 10:00 - 11:00 p.m. each night.