— Photos by Bobbie Toner

On Thursday, December 8, Somerville kicked off the holiday celebrations with the Holiday Lighting on the City Hall Concourse. Santa Claus was escorted by the Somerville Fire and Police Departments making his grand entrance atop a shiny red fire truck. Santa met with children in the Somerville High School Cafeteria where all children who attend received a special gift from Santa and had the opportunity to take a photo with Old St. Nick.

— Photo by Lisa Gallagher-Noonan