ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WPRI) -- Hundreds gathered Saturday evening in Attleboro for first day of the annual Christmas Festival of Lights at La Salette Shrine. The annual display opened up earlier than usual this year, with it typically beginning on Thanksgiving night. Organizers told 12 News there are over 100 new light displays, making it their biggest to date. "One of the biggest Christmas traditions," Father Flavio Gillio, director at Our Lady of La Salette Shrine, said about the display. "A must-do thing, otherwise Christmas is not Christmas." Since Thanksgiving happens later this year, organizers chose to start the lighting display earlier. RELATED: La Salette’s Christmas lights display opening early this year Some of the people who came during the first night came from other parts of the country. "It's stunning, it's breathtaking," Pam Szott, who said she traveled from Chicago, told 12 News about the display. Jennifer Witkowski, who is visiting from Colorado, said, "This is fantastic." "Finally in five years, we get to see it," Witkowski added. "So this is amazing." Admission is free and the display will be open every day through Jan. 1 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. NEXT: RIFC falls short, loses USL Championship 3-0 Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW