HOUSTON -- Approximately 100,000 people kicked off the holiday season with a lighting ceremony at Uptown Park Thursday night, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Half a million lights were turned on along Post Oak Boulevard, lighting up 80 trees.

"It was awesome. It was majestic. It was awesome," Karen Samaroo said.

"It was wonderful. We have been making it a family tradition. This is about the sixth year we have come -- successive years. It's been wonderful," Cherry Epo said.

Santa showed up, along with a huge fireworks display.

The holiday lighting tradition starting during tough economic times in Houston during the '80s.

"Maybe this year hearkens back to 23 years ago when this even first started. Times are a little tough. Everybody's budgets are a little tough. Bringing the family out to a free event like this to celebrate the holidays is a great way to get started," John Breeding said.