~Photos by Bobbie Toner

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and special guests hosted two of Somerville’s annual holiday celebrations. The festivities began with the annual Christmas tree lighting on Thursday, December 2, on the City Hall concourse. After the tree lighting, Santa Claus joined in for a meet and greet next door at Somerville High School. Santa was escorted by the Somerville Fire and Police departments, with a gift and cookies for each child in tow. Live entertainment featured the Somerville High School Chorus, Somerville High School Orchestra, El Sistema Somerville, and the Somerville High School Jazz Band. Later in the week, the ceremonial menorah lighting took place on Sunday, December 5, on the City Hall concourse with Rabbi Eliana Jacobowitz from Temple B’nai Brith.