University of Hawai'i football game or no, more than 50,000 people turned out last night for the 23rd Honolulu City Lights celebration and its food, rides, music and lots of lit-up holiday spirit.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann, his wife, Gail, and other guests took part in the traditional tree lighting — this time a 70-footer from Mililani — at 6:36 p.m. outside Honolulu Hale.

After a few songs in which the mayor took part, including "Mele Kalikimaka," the Christmas light-inspired parade of city vehicles, marching bands and other holiday-decorated floats proceeded from Chinatown to just past Kawaiaha'o Church along King Street.

Each year, the City Lights celebration draws thousands of people to the City Hall and Civic Center area over the holidays.

Near City Hall, both sides of King Street were lined 10 people deep for the annual holiday kick-off parade.

The preferred viewing spot for many youngsters was atop dad's shoulders, and that's where Mia Abuan, 4, was perched.

"This is our first holiday season here in Hawai'i," said Mia's father, Jonathan. The family moved from Chicago, and Mia proclaimed the parade and fire dancers the best part of the night.

Hannemann thanked everyone for being there.

"This is an opportunity for us to come together as a community," he said.

The theme of this year's Honolulu City Lights is "Ku'u Home — Our Home," and Hannemann asked everyone to look for someone in need in the community this holiday season, "and help them and reach out to them, so they, too, can feel the spirit of the holiday season."

There was competition this year with the UH-Washington game. "I'm sure the game, being on TV, cut into the crowd, but not too bad," said Hannemann spokesman Bill Brennan.

Eric Flores, 26, was there with two friends.

"Christmas spirit, I guess," he said as the reason for coming out. "It brings friends closer together."

Brenton Pundyke and his father, Mike, were at the parade with Brenton's son, 2-year-old Keaolana, instead of watching the football game.

"We actually both work for the city. We're here supporting the guys," Mike Pundyke said.

Brenton Pundyke said "seeing the look" in his son's eyes as the parade passed made it worth it.

"He's having a blast," the grandfather said, adding, "I'm taping it (the football game) also, so I'm getting the best of both worlds."

Reach William Cole at wcole@honoluluadvertiser.com.