Seeing live reindeer for the first time ever was a confusing experience for four-year-old Daniel Cullin.

"What are those on its head? Are they sticks?" he asked his mother, Liz Cullin.

Reindeer were among the special guests last night -- along with Santa and Mrs. Claus -- at the 10th annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony sponsored by the Downtown Improvement District.

About 200 people attended the event on South Allen Street.

Many children were so excited to see Santa Claus arrive on an Alpha Fire Co. truck that they began to hastily cross College Avenue.

Santa descended from the big, red truck to cheers from children of all ages and a spirited rendition of "Here Comes Santa Claus" by singing duet Dan and Galla, who caroled both before and after the tree lighting.

After greeting the mass of children, Santa crossed College Avenue to the tree at the Allen Street gates.

Many children and their parents followed him across the street, briefly halting traffic.

Several elves, being Santa's ever-faithful little helpers, quickly blocked traffic and restricted the flow of revelers.

"Everything went really well, but not exactly according to plan," said Amy Eury (senior-recreation, park and tourism management), a volunteer intern at the Downtown Improvement District who organized the event.

"The elves did a great job keeping everyone safe from traffic," she added.

Festivities kicked off at 5:30 with a short welcome speech by State College Borough Council President Tom Daubert, who acted as master of ceremonies.

Daubert was followed by State College Presbyterian Church choirs performing an assortment of holiday classics.

Later, Mrs. Claus treated the assembled children to a reading of The Polar Express.

The Penn State Singing Lions and Savoir Faire then presented the audience with more holiday caroling.

Several stands were set up along Allen Street by various local businesses and volunteer organizations.

The reindeer were on hand at a stand presented by Garry's Reindeer of Lewistown, which also sold reindeer horn hat racks and key chains.

The State College Lions Club handed out free cookies, provided by downtown businesses, as well as hot chocolate and popcorn. Toys for Tots also accepted donations of unopened toys for needy children.

According to Emily Brooks (freshman-division of undergraduate studies), who lent a hand at the stand, the group received about 30 items.

"We got some really cool toys," she said.

Finally, Santa flicked the power switch and the tree brightened Allen Street once again. Dan and Galla continued caroling with the children until 7 p.m.

"It's a really happy atmosphere," McKenzie Jones (sophomore-human development and family studies) said.

"It's nice to see families. It's a very special occasion to bring all sorts of people around, mingling, talking. Lots of smiles," Jones added. "It makes me more excited for the holidays."

Retired State College resident Arthur Beward agreed.

"I've been in State College some 60 years and I still love to attend these sort of affairs," he said.

"We get a better, stronger sense of community."

Eury said last night's event was a good kick-off to the holiday season.

"Everyone is happy and in the holiday spirit," she said smiling.