Mayor Domenic Sarno, state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, City Council President Michael Fenton and MGM Springfield Director of Community Affairs Beth Ward welcome Santa Claus to the stage at the casino’s tree lighting ceremony.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
SPRINGFIELD — With a countdown and the push of an oversized handle, Mayor Domenic Sarno, state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, the MGM Springfield team and special guest Santa Claus lit the Christmas tree at the casino and officially opened its skating rink on Nov. 28.
“This has become a holiday tradition,” Beth Ward, MGM Springfield director of community affairs, said of the festivities. It is just as much fun for the people who work for MGM Springfield as it is for Springfield residents. “It’s a day we look forward to all year, to have this Hallmarkish experience,” Ward said.
The MGM Christmas Tree rises behind the ice rink as people skate to the sounds of holiday music. Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen 
Pat Patriot poses with Ronan Arevalo and Mike Cavanaugh. Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen 
Kayden Shepard gives a peace sign while standing with Santa. Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen 
The lights on MGM Springfield Christmas tree display patterns and blink in time to the music. Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen 
Allie Caldarone tells Santa what she wants for Christmas. Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen 
Cari Maus, Evan Walter and Shannon Rakovsky with Chill Entertainment pose on the ice. Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen 
New England Patriots mascot Pat the Patriot buddies up with Boston Red Sox mascot Wally the Green Monster. Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
Hundreds of people came out for the event and listened to live holiday music by Westfield native and semifinalist on season 25 of “The Voice,” Madison Curbelo.
Another celebrity strolled around taking selfies with fans: 1970s TV icon Eric Estrada, who was at the casino for a VIP meet-and-greet. Scores of people laced up their skates and took to the ice rink, created by Chill Entertainment, and children of all ages lined up in the State Armory building to meet Santa.
