News-Argus/MITCH LOEBER

One-year-old Christopher Beal, left, and his brother, Jacob, 5, sit on Santa's lap at this year's Downtown Lights Up event in Goldsboro Tuesday. Mayor Al King flipped the switch on the holiday lights lining the median on Center Street.

News-Argus/MITCH LOEBER

Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. executive director Julie Thompson, left, holds the microphone for Mayor Al King on a chilly Tuesday evening. When King got the cue, the streets lit up -- as did the eyes of many of the children in attendance.

News-Argus/MITCH LOEBER

Children -- decked out in official Christmas attire -- wait for the magic moment when Mayor Al King flips the switch to light up Center Street.