It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! A blanket of snow fell on the grounds at Bethesda Regional Health Centre Sunday just in time for the annual tree lighting ceremony.

Hundreds of people gathered to enjoy hotdogs, hot chocolate, and Christmas Carols with the Rempel family as well as the official lighting of the trees which took place at 5:30 pm.

Bethesda Foundation Executive Director John Peters says due to the fresh snow and icy conditions, sleigh rides were cancelled. Peters notes the honorary tree lighter this year was Southern Health-Santé Sud's retiring CEO Kathy McPhail.

"It's always a special evening, especially when the lights go on. It's quite amazing to see the looks on the little kids faces and it's very pretty. This year was extra special because of the snow on the ground."

Peters says as many as 400 people come out each year for the celebration. "It's a very warm feeling and I think the patients at the hospital enjoy seeing the beautiful lights as well."

Peters is pleased to report that more than $75,000 has been raised by the sale of the little red trees that hang throughout the city, and by sponsorship of the lit trees on the hospital grounds. “We are still taking orders for the little trees, so if anyone is still interested they can place their order until Christmas.”

Along with the hotdogs, hot chocolate, and Christmas carol's, there were fire pits to keep warm, and a finale of fireworks. Peters adds the tree lighting ceremony has been going on for about 23 years in the city.