Darnestown officially kicked off the holiday season on Sunday evening with its annual tree lighting ceremony.

Despite the rainy, winter weather, about 30 to 40 residents gathered at the corner of Darnestown Road and Ancient Oak Drive around the giant tree.

Steve Ellis of the Darnestown Civic Association helped organize the yearly event.

"They've been hosting this tree lighting since the early '70s. This is the second tree that has been used at this exact location," Ellis said.

Sharon Beautz lives near the tree and organized the event in collaboration with Darnestown Civic Association. 

This year, Beautz said they had to skip a few rituals because of the rain.

"The weather is pretty bad, so we don't have the usual caroling group or bonfire. People are still coming out though; we're making the best of it," Beautz said. 

But weather couldn't prevent one key tradition from being a part of the evening's events: A visit from Santa Claus. Old St. Nick stopped by to visit with the local children.

The tree can be seen from Darnestown Road and will be lit until the date of the Christian Epiphany.