Lagniappe and The Big Bright Light Show kick off the holiday season in Rochester

ROCHESTER, Mich. (WXYZ) - The traditional start of the holiday shopping season in downtown Rochester began last night with Lagniappe and The Big Bright Light Show.

This marks the 40th year of the Lagniappe festival. Lagniappe comes from the Creole word meaning "a little something extra."

Downtown merchants provided their customers with discounts and special offers in appreciation for their business.

The Big Bright Light Show has also helped make downtown Rochester a holiday destination. More than a million and a half lights cover the buildings along Main Street with strings of lights from sidewalk to roof,

They were turned on during Monday evening's festivities.

The program began at 6:45 p.m. on East Fourth Street at Main. 7 Action News Anchor Dave LewAllen hosted the program that also included the arrival of Santa Claus. 

Kids had the opportunity to share Christmas wishes with Santa from 7:15-9 p.m.

The Big Bright Light Show will run nightly from 6 p.m. to midnight through January 6, according to Kristi Trevarrow, executive director of the Rochester Downtown Development Authority.