by KYW's Lynne Adkins

Even though we're suffering through the hazy, hot days of summer, Friday was the start of Christmas season at the Kimmel Center.

The Philly Pops' principal brass quintet played Christmas carols by a fake Christmas tree as tickets for the "Holiday Pops" concert went on sale.

Even Santa turned out:

"I couldn't think of any reason to stay up in the North Pole."

It was a more casual man in red:

"Well, these are specially designed Bermuda shorts.  I still have my red coat on so I don't get hit by traffic."

Was he sweltering?

"A little bit."

Steven Haines, vice president of the Philly Pops, says originally there was just one holiday concert performance and it was a huge success.  This year, even more so:

"Up to 10 performances, and selling out every one.  So we try to give the public an opportunity to come out as early as possible."

Folks walking by the Kimmel Center on South Broad Street ("Avenue of the Arts") said it was bit odd to hear Christmas music on a day when the temperature is pushing 90:

"It's refreshing on such a hot day.  I thought it might make be feel a bit cooler."

The concerts begin December 13th.

(Graphic: phillypops.com)