It's just part of Friday night's big holiday celebration in Central Islip.

Fire trucks decorated with holiday lights headed out from the station on Old Nicolls Road and out to the parade route for the fire department's third annual tree lighting ceremony.

Firefighters set up Santa's sleigh and reindeer on their vintage fire truck, and they built a gingerbread house for a float.

The parade route included passing schools in the district and shopping centers in Central Islip.

Once the parade comes to an end at Station 2, there will be Christmas caroling performed by the Central Islip High School choir. Then, the tree-lighting ceremony followed.

The event also had free hot chocolate to warm people up, and crafts and raffles provided by the local vendors, including SisterHeart and Tasty Treats.

The fire department hosts the event to bring the community together.

"We just continuing to grow it every year. we feel the community doesn't get together enough so the fire department wants to bring them closer," said Vincent Plotino, Central Islip fire chief. "People love it. Every year we seem to get more and more kids to come out. we think this year's going to be a big one though."

The tree lighting happened at 7:30 p.m. at Station 2 on Wheeler Road.