PHOTOS: Christmas spirit shines bright at first River City Sportsplex tree lighting

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Thanksgiving has arrived, which means it may as well be Christmas time -- and Chesterfield County's first tree lighting of the season spread much holiday cheer.

Chesterfield County residents got into the holiday spirit on Wednesday night for the first annual Christmas tree lighting at The Park at River City Sportsplex, located at 12020 Genito Road.

Festive tree lighting events coming to each of Chesterfield’s districts

Donations of nonperishable food items will be collected at all five tree lightings in Chesterfield County to support Chesterfield Food Bank Outreach Center's Operation Holiday Hundred to feed thousands of families in the Richmond-metro area.

(Photo: Ethan Thompson, 8News)

(Photo: Ethan Thompson, 8News)

(Photo: Ethan Thompson, 8News)

(Photo: Ethan Thompson, 8News)

(Photo: Ethan Thompson, 8News)

(Photo: Ethan Thompson, 8News)

(Photo: Ethan Thompson, 8News)

(Photo: Ethan Thompson, 8News)

Aside from the chance to check out the newly lit tree, attendees were able to enjoy hot cocoa and local food.

"This is the beginning of Christmas and what else do kids look forward to more than Christmas?" said Jessica Schneider, the Clover Hill District Supervisor.

"Next year it'll be in the middle of the park and I'm hoping that it'll be even better as our second," Schneider said. "We'll see what else we can add on as the tradition continues."

Organizers said the first tree lighting was a great chance to give back to the community while spreading some holiday cheer.

For more information on the county's holiday tree lightings this year, visit Chesterfield County's website.