Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. hosted the annual Christmas tree lighting Thursday night at the Lou Gehrig Plaza near the Grand Concourse.

The tree is located in front of the Bronx County Courthouse, and this is a special tradition that has been happening for years.

Diaz says this is how they kick off the holiday season. Before the tree was lit, there was a performance by the Renaissance High School Varsity Voices.

The performance got everyone into the spirit, and afterward hundreds of children made their way inside Borough Hall to the Winter Wonderland. They got to meet Mr. and Mrs. Clause and also received free gifts, hot chocolate and cookies.

"This is something that was impressed upon me by my parents and my grandparents and we want to make sure that our kids know that, yes, we all anticipate Santa to bring us a gift, but the real spirit of the holiday season is about giving somebody either your time, support, giving them a gift, bringing them food," said Diaz.

The borough president suggests reaching out to a neighbor or classmate this holiday season. He says you never know what they may be going through.