(Photo by Evan Bevins) The 22-foot Christmas tree on the Armory lawn is lit Saturday night.

There’s still a few days until Thanksgiving, but it already looks a lot like Christmas in front of the Armory.

Marietta Main Street held its annual Merry-Etta Christmas tree lighting Saturday evening, drawing around 150 people to the Armory lawn for the event, which included hot chocolate provided by Huntington Bank and Christmas carols from Paskawych Entertainment.

“It’s a great kickoff to the holiday season in downtown Marietta,” said Jen Tinkler, executive director of Marietta Main Street. “Lots of kids (here), which is the point.”

Lisa Vore brought her three children to the event, which she described as special and magical. The family enjoys a number of activities in the city where she’s been a lifelong resident.

“We come every year to pretty much all the Marietta events,” Vore said. “There’s always something to do in Marietta.”

(Photo by Evan Bevins) Belpre residents Charles and Patricia Eberhard take a selfie in front of the Christmas tree on the Armory lawn following its lighting Saturday.

Patricia Eberhard lives in Belpre, but grew up in Marietta. She and her husband Charles come each year to the tree lighting, which she said has added significance to her since her father served in the military at the Armory.

“This was just phenomenal,” she said.

Marietta Mayor Josh Schlicher encouraged those in attendance to support the downtown merchants during the holiday shopping season.

(Photo by Evan Bevins) Performers from Paskawych Entertainment sing “Up on the Housetop” on the steps of the Armory prior to Saturday’s Christmas tree lighting.