The Charlottesville downtown mall Christmas tree is in place, and preparations are underway for Friday's Grand Illumination.
Decorators are working to hang 20,000 lights on the tree by Friday. The tree is from the Charlottesville area, and illumination organizers say it is the community's Christmas tree.
"When the tree lights up, when those 20,000 lights go on, it is memorable. People talk about it all year," said Bob Stroh with the Downtown Business Association of Charlottesville.
During the Grand Illumination, families can enjoy caroling and a winter wonderland for kids. The holiday fun starts Friday evening at 5:00.
