Northport kicked off its annual holiday season Saturday with the lighting of its leg lamp, made famous in the holiday film "A Christmas Story."

Some Northport residents said it is the only way to start the holidays.

With holiday songs, some dancing and the traditional lighting of the village Christmas tree, Northport ushered in the holiday season but locals said it's not official until the "major award" is unveiled and lit up.

"It started as a gag on the side of the road," explained Kate Laible, of Firefly Artists.

For 17 years, the leg lamp lighting has been a tradition in Northport as a nod to the 1983 film in which the family patriarch, 'The Old Man' receives via a mail delivery a "major award" in the form of a lamp shaped like a woman's leg.

For years, the lamp sat in Northport's hardware store window on Main Street. The Firefly Artists Art Gallery has taken over the space and now the tradition, which some people in Northport take very seriously.

For most who came out for the lighting ceremony, the tradition is like no other and makes the village extra special.

"Everybody comes together, it's a lively night and it's just a fun, climatic moment to light it up," said resident Charis Carmichael Braun.

Firefly Artists said the leg will remain on display in the window through the holidays for all to see.