The City of Paterson got into the Christmas spirit Saturday night for its annual tree lighting ceremony.

The event brought the feeling of Rockefeller Center right to the heart of the city.

"Some children won't have an opportunity to go to Rockefeller Center and skate, so it's, like, 'let's bring the ice rink to Paterson if they can't go to New York City,' said Mayor Andre Sayegh.

In addition to ice skating, there was live music -- from local bands, a snow globe, a bouncy house and, of course, the man himself, Old Saint Nick. Kids lined up to have their picture taken with Santa Claus and, of course, put in their Christmas lists.

As revelers began their holiday shopping, they were encouraged on Small Business Saturday to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses in the area.

"This is the most important time of the year, the holiday shopping season, where our economy is injected with so much support from our local community and from people from around the area that come to our historic downtown to do their Christmas shopping or holiday shopping in general," said Orlando Cruz, of the Paterson Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Paterson Business District.

While holiday shopping and festivities were at the top of the list for some, for others it was about being together with family, friends and other loved ones.

"It's all about unity and we need that. It's a lot going on in the world right now. Right now is a good time to come out and show some love, spread some love, show some unity," said resident Ernie McNeil, Jr.

The city also kicked off Paterson Restaurant Week on Friday in another effort to drive customers to support local businesses.