The City of Albany hosted a holiday tree lighting Thursday night in Academy Park.

The lighting took place around 6 p.m. Thursday and hundreds of people gathered to watch.

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan counted down the crowd to the moment the tree was lit.

“We all know that we are here to kick off another wonderful holiday season here in the city of Albany, where there are so many amazing, fun things to do. But we like to be the first on the list,” Sheehan said.

There were live performances from Albany High School and free food. The free food consisted of hot donuts, cookies and empanadas.

There were also free giveaways with hot cocoa, cider, coffee, and craft bags.

NewsChannel 13 spoke to people at the lighting, who were all so excited to kick off the holiday season.

“It’s very beautiful. Like the tree and all the decorations and seeing everyone putting in the work. And it really shows the holiday spirit and everyone coming together and just having a good time,” one said.

Watch Zach Richter’s story above to see the moment the tree was lit at Academy Park.