HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – People gathered at Founders Square Friday night for a festive countdown leading to the lighting of a massive Christmas tree in the center of downtown. Hopkinsville Mayor Knight gave opening remarks, and the crowd was led in song to many Christmas favorites.

Local teenager Jack Shaheen was named this year’s Honorary Tree Lighter. He was joined by his parents to flip the switch and light up the tree. The military family is new to the area and was excited to be involved in the ceremony.

As the Christmas tree lights turned on, the light display at Little River Park is also officially opened to the public. The short path contains multiple Christmas light displays people can walk through for free.

Founders Square Christmas Tree Lighting. Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Dec. 8, 2023 (Daynnah Carmona)
Founders Square Christmas Tree Lighting. Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Dec. 8, 2023 (Daynnah Carmona)
Founders Square Christmas Tree Lighting. Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Dec. 8, 2023 (Daynnah Carmona)
Founders Square Christmas Tree Lighting. Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Dec. 8, 2023 (Daynnah Carmona)
Founders Square Christmas Tree Lighting. Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Dec. 8, 2023 (Daynnah Carmona)
Founders Square Christmas Tree Lighting. Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Dec. 8, 2023 (Daynnah Carmona)
Founders Square Christmas Tree Lighting. Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Dec. 8, 2023 (Daynnah Carmona)
Founders Square Christmas Tree Lighting. Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Dec. 8, 2023 (Daynnah Carmona)
Founders Square Christmas Tree Lighting. Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Dec. 8, 2023 (Daynnah Carmona)
Founders Square Christmas Tree Lighting. Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Dec. 8, 2023 (Daynnah Carmona)
Founders Square Christmas Tree Lighting. Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Dec. 8, 2023 (Daynnah Carmona)
Founders Square Christmas Tree Lighting. Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Dec. 8, 2023 (Daynnah Carmona)
Founders Square Christmas Tree Lighting. Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Dec. 8, 2023 (Daynnah Carmona)
Founders Square Christmas Tree Lighting. Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Dec. 8, 2023 (Daynnah Carmona)
Founders Square Christmas Tree Lighting. Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Dec. 8, 2023 (Daynnah Carmona)
Founders Square Christmas Tree Lighting. Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Dec. 8, 2023 (Daynnah Carmona)
Founders Square Christmas Tree Lighting. Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Dec. 8, 2023 (Daynnah Carmona)
Founders Square Christmas Tree Lighting. Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Dec. 8, 2023 (Daynnah Carmona)
Founders Square Christmas Tree Lighting. Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Dec. 8, 2023 (Daynnah Carmona)
Founders Square Christmas Tree Lighting. Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Dec. 8, 2023 (Daynnah Carmona)