For many in Knoxville, the holiday season begins in earnest tonight with the annual Living Windows display around the downtown square.

This yearly holiday tradition brings people downtown to experience an old-fashioned Christmas atmosphere; older Knoxville residents recall the event from their childhood, and now make a point of bringing their children there to take it all in.

“Colors of Christmas” is the theme for this year’s event, which runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Store displays all around the square will be filled with holiday decor and specials; there will be carolers, choruses, a silent wreath auction and a visit from Santa Claus.

The Marion County Courthouse will be lit up for the holiday season, and play host to the auction; it will also be the site for the ceremonial tree lighting by Mayor Brian Hatch at 6:30 p.m.

The KNIA/KRLS Big Red Radio will be set up in the square, playing music and making announcements to the crowd.