It was cold, but not too cold…just perfect, for starting the holiday season.

Living Windows drew hundreds from all over Knoxville and the surrounding area on Thursday night, not just to see the decorations but to feel the Christmas spirit.

Nearly every business around the square and the Marion County Courthouse were lit up, decorated and filled with holiday cheer, continuing what has become a tradition for the city during the past 29 years.

All this has grown under the supervision of the Mentor’s Study Club, which organized the event for 22 years; to recognize them for their efforts, Mayor Brian Hatch addressed the crowd and dedicated the tree lighting, and the entire Living Windows event, to the members of the club who saw it through for all those years.

“These are the women who make up the Mentor’s Study Club. Thank you, ladies, for loving Knoxville, and for your outpouring of blessings to each one of us. Living Windows is what it is today because of each one of you,” Hatch said.

This was the central event, but there was plenty going on everywhere you turned — singers, carriage rides, free food, decorations galore and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Organizers say they want to build on the memories which so many have made over nearly 30 years, and make this an event which becomes a part of every Knoxville generation.