NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – The city welcomed Christmas to downtown.

The city hosted its annual Christmas tree lighting in McLean park Tuesday evening.

Some dance groups performed their holiday routines, kids got to meet Santa Claus and people could feed animals in the petting zoo.

“It’s a good event,” said Austin Fine, who watched the tree lighting with his friends, Billy Barlow and Spencer Lewis. “It brings families closer together. It’s just something that the whole community needs to go to. It brings people together.”

Another Christmas event in North Myrtle that’s coming is The Grinch’s Candy Cane Hunt at the Great Christmas Light Show.

That’s Thursday, December 13, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the city’s sports complex.