The annual Oak Bluffs tree lighting is a musical affair.

The brassy notes of a trombone, French horns, and trumpets greeted onlookers as they crowded into Post Office Square on Wednesday night for the affair. Jingle Bells, Frosty the Snowman, Joy to the World — the holiday repertoire of the Vineyard Brass Ensemble never fails to delight. Each song earned applause from the crowd of parents and children.

Child of wonder. — Ivy Ashe

And when the band struck up O Christmas Tree, selectman Greg Coogan and a young helper lit the Christmas tree in the center of the square. Cameras were produced, flashes blinked and groups posed in front of the huge tree, now twinkling with its new holiday adornments.

Holding hands with buddies as they crossed the streets, the kids made their way to Dreamland, where they dropped off donations for the Island Food Pantry and picked up red antlers before heading upstairs for a cup of hot chocolate and brownies. The Brian Weiland Band took over music duties, striking up bouncy renditions of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Here Comes Santa Claus. Then the man in red himself arrived on cue, picking up his own cup of hot chocolate before he circled the room to high-five and hug his fans.

After Santa left, the music continued.

See more pictures of tree lighting.