For 8-year-old Elizabeth Rose Taylor of the Bronx, seeing the festive tree in Ciccarone Park get lit has become an annual tradition.

“I’ve been to the same place a couple of years,” she said.

Within the past week, the Christmas trees at both Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park were officially lit, but for many people who gathered Saturday in Belmont near Arthur Avenue, this particular tree lighting was the one to be at.

“It’s a very intimate gathering. It’s beautiful to be amongst all the Bronxites, and to see everyone in such a happy and cheerful mood,” said Gabriela Martinez of the Bronx.

Erwin Perez and his younger brothers were among the dozens of children who waited patiently in a line as free toys were distributed during the community gathering.

“It was amazing,” Perez said. “I’ve never seen a tree light up that good, and also, I’ve never seen so many people be so excited for this.”

Organizers with the Belmont Business Improvement District say this annual tradition in Little Italy has only been around less than 10 years.

Despite that, the event, which also featured photo opportunities with Santa Claus and holiday songs, has quickly become an annual tradition for many who live nearby.

“To me, it’s everything. I was born and raised here. I lived in the same house I was born in,” said Frank Franz with the Belmont Business Improvement District. “There’s New York City and there’s Little Italy. Everyone recognizes this is our neighborhood. We go to the same stores, walk the same streets. It’s like an extended family.”