An entire neighborhood gathered together Friday night to watch the first ever lighting of the community Christmas tree in Mountain Shadows. It was planted at the Wilson United Methodist just in time for the holidays.

Hundreds of people showed up for this event and everyone had a huge smile on their face. GESCO nursery in Franktown, Colorado donated the tree. It stands 30 feet tall, and was planted here earlier this month. Colorado Springs Together and the Wilson United Methodist Church worked together to plant this community tree before the holidays.

They also wanted the tree to serve as a symbol of light and hope for the future as this community rebuilds and recovers from the Waldo Canyon Fire. We talked to one family who lost their home to the fire, who said seeing this tree really brightens their spirits and is getting them excited for this holiday season.

"I think the star at the top, since it changes colors; I really think that's pretty,” a young Amber Maluschka told us.

"This has brought everybody in the community together and we wanted to be a part of it. We think this is just wonderful, and so it’s neat to see your neighbors and how they've become friends and everybody’s kind of it in together," Cindy Maluschka said.

Also a part of the night, before and after the ceremony, 9,000 ornaments were given away to families who lost their homes. Those ornaments were donated from people all across the community. Organizers of the ornament drive said they more than doubled their goal.

If you'd like to stop by and take a look at the tree, it's located on Flying W Ranch and Wolf Ranch Road.