A Chilly Christmas Tree Lighting at Borough Hall

Temperatures might have approached the freezing mark last night, but at Brooklyn Borough Hall Plaza, there was enough laughter and holiday cheer to warm anyone's heart.

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and Deputy Borough President Yvonne Graham hosted the annual tree lighting and toy giveaway, which kicked off at 6:00 p.m.. Three dance troupes –American Ballet Theater, Brooklyn Ballet and Mark Morris Dance Group— presented a snippet of "The Nutcracker," Markowitz offered a few remarks and then the crowd closed in to capture the moment everyone was waiting for: The official tree lighting.

Joining the festivities were Assembly Member Joan Millman, City Council Member Lewis Fidler and Borough Parks Commissioner Kevin Jeffrey, whose son, Kameron, helped light the tree.

Following the tree lighting 100 kids and their parents rushed up the stairs and inside of Borough Hall for unlimited rounds of hot chocolate, Christmas cookies, free toys and a sit-down with Santa. 'Tis the Season to be jolly.