Yards of holiday lights sit rolled into smaller wads, ready to be unrolled and strung around the downtown square Thursday morning.

‘Tis the season in downtown Tyler.

Crews are hard at work this week sprucing up the square with lights and garland to bring holiday cheer to residents and visitors.

“Residents and visitors look for a warm holiday ambiance as they visit family and travel, so the holiday lights and the [Christmas] tree are essential in making downtown a destination during this busy season,” downtown specialist Lindsey Froneberger said.

Froneberger said the lights create a festive atmosphere on the square, complementing the holiday events and programs put on by downtown businesses and Tyler organizations.

Owner Matthew Mizzles and his HPWS Services team will spend three or four days installing lights and garland all along the square in anticipation of the season.

Smith County employees are also putting holiday decorations in the landscaping outside the courthouse and atop the awning.

The earlier the decorations are put up, the longer people get to enjoy them, Mizzles said. It intrigues people and makes them want to explore the area and the decorations.

His crew has been hanging holiday lights for clients since as early as September.

“Every year, it seems like people get into the Christmas spirit a little earlier,” he said. “Usually, right after Halloween, people start thinking about it.”

Once the décor is completely installed at the square, about 500 strands of mini-lights will wrap the trees, and about 800 feet of ground lights will border the sidewalks and green spaces, all on an automated timer.

The décor helps the community foster a sense of togetherness during the holidays, Froneberger said. Downtown Tyler is a busy place and is even more active on weekends during the holiday season.

“The lights add to the positive experience of being out with family and friends during such a joyous time of year,” Froneberger said.

The lights go up before Thanksgiving because so many festivities begin soon after Thanksgiving week, like the Rotary Clubs’ annual Rose City Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. Nov. 30 followed by the city’s tree lighting, and Downtown Tyler’s Holiday Open House on Dec. 9. Many families also take family photos during Thanksgiving, and the downtown lights are a great photo opportunity.

“People get excited when they see that stuff,” Mizzles said. “It gets them all warm and fuzzy and in the spirit, and that’s what it’s all about.”