— Photos by Bobbie Toner

Somerville kicked off the holiday season Thursday, December 5, with a Christmas Tree 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. Once the tree was lit, children were able to have a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus in the Somerville High School Cafeteria. All children who attended received a special gift from Santa.