TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — With only weeks left until Christmas, the holidays are in full swing in Tampa.

The 2.6 miles of the city’s Riverwalk were already aglow with lights by the end of November, and as Dec. 1 rolled around, residents prepared for another annual tradition.

Onlookers — many of whom were decked in Santa hats — gathered in front of the Tampa Convention Center and Sail Pavilion for the city’s tree lighting Sunday afternoon.

The crowd then watched as Mayor Jane Castor sailed into the Convention Center basin aboard a Pirate Water Taxi around 6:30 p.m., at which point she flipped the switch on the Riverwalk Holiday trees.

At the center of the celebration was a floating 35-foot-tall Christmas tree that illuminated the river. This year, Tampa residents also got to enjoy a 30-foot LED holiday tree synchronized to music.

Several activities took place following the tree lighting, including photos with Santa, a DJ spinning holiday tunes and special treats handed out to onlookers.

The holiday magic will continue past Dec. 1, with floating displays lighted nightly along the Riverwalk. The displays include everything from a teddy on a toy horse to a gingerbread house.