Gone a-wassailing and Christmas caroling at Denton Holiday Lighting

This quaint Christmas tradition makes Denton even more lovable.

Photo by Tiney Ricciardi

Several bands played in front of the Denton Square courthouse during the holiday lighting November 30.

DENTON — Thousands of Denton residents flocked to the historic town square Friday night for the 24th annual Denton Holiday Lighting. Families, college, students and long-time city patrons enjoyed live Christmas music on a stage in front of the courthouse as the 25-foot tree twinkled in shades of blue, red, and green.

One tradition that makes this holiday lighting unique is wassailing — a pilgrimage around the square in which businesses freely distribute their own version of the seasonal beverage. Wassail is described by many of the venues as a hot cider mulled with different spices such as sugar and ginger, among other things. Every version of wassail was exclusive to the distributor, and a few contained alcohol.

At the end of the tour, those who tried wassail were able to vote at the Campus Theatre for their favorite. Stand out beverages came from First People's Jewelers, a collective entry from Paschall Bar, Andy's Bar and Grill and Armadillo Ale Works -- and the winner I (heart) Denton, a community service group.

Photo by Tiney Ricciardi

Shops and restaurants around the square served wassail, a holiday beverage consisting of mulled cider and spices. Alcohol was optional.

Denton resident Kaylie Weaver had attended the holiday lighting before and said she had never seen so many people participate.

“It’s really great to see all these people come out and celebrate together,” Weaver said.

The evening closed out with a performance by an 11-piece orchestra of local music superstars including Chris Flemmons, Steve Wiest of the One O’Clock Lab Band and Jeffrey Barnes, to name a few. Paul Slavens did an enthusiastic reading of The Grinch before attendees danced to a festive “Feliz Navaidad” and then made their respective ways home, enlightened by the spirit of Christmas.