INWOOD — Even if it was too dark to see, the Christmas spirit was clearly on display in Bruce's Garden Friday night.
Dozens of families joined with members of the NYPD's 34th precinct and garden volunteers to kick off the Christmas season with the annual tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 14.
Uptowners packed the garden after sunset, singing Christmas carols and braving the cold weather with the help of hot chocolate for the chance to see the gardens trees get lit up with Christmas lights.
"The tree lighting is a very special event," said garden volunteer Rosanna Perch, who led the caroling. "We have delicious food, we have lots of kids, it's a great family event."
Perch, who moved to Inwood in April 2011, estimated that 200 people were on hand for the tree lighting.
Wendy Herlich, who lives across the street from Bruce's Garden with her 3-year-old daughter, Vera.
"It's great.," she said.
"It's such a nice community event and the kids obviously love it. It's a really special place in a our hearts."