Let there be Christmas lights!

Powerful winds subsided in time for Burbank’s biggest-ever holiday tree-lighting event on Thursday, which marked a series of seasonal events planned in the coming weeks as part of the city’s ongoing centennial celebration.

Parade-style balloons, vintage cars, strolling carolers, and, of course, Santa Claus attracted hundreds of onlookers Thursday outside City Hall for the official ceremony.

Burbank firefighters were also busy collecting toy donations for the annual Spark of Love Toy Drive in conjunction with ABC 7. The drive precipitates the Metrolink Toy Express stops in Burbank and Glendale on Dec. 11. Donation boxes have been set up at all fire stations and at businesses throughout the city.

-- Jason Wells, Times Community News

Twitter: @JasonBretWells