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Blue Cross RiverRink Kicks Off Winterfest With Christmas Tree Lighting

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Blue Cross RiverRink kicked off Winterfest Friday night with a dazzling holiday display, highlighted by lighting of a massive Christmas tree.

This is the third year of the tree lighting ceremony at the RiverRink, and this year's event was the biggest yet. In addition to holiday music and ice skating, visitors were able to sample various beers and food, relax in a private cabin or in a living room complete with couches, or grab some hot chocolate and cookies inside a 5000lb gingerbread house.

12-year-old Dylan was carving up the ice, and enjoying some of his favorites.

"They have food, they have games, they have ice skating," he said, "and they have hot chocolate."

One of the night's special guests was 76ers forward Robert Covington.

"It's a big thing for everybody to come out here, and you know be out on the rink and gather like this," Covington said. "Just mingle and have fun. That's the one thing that it's about. It's what the holiday is for."

But the highlight of the night for most kids was the arrival of Santa, who led a countdown to the tree lighting, followed by some surprise fireworks.

Winterfest at the RiverRink runs through March 6 and is open daily, including holidays.

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