Kaylie Burke, Aedan Burke and Bobby Foley Jr. are seen here visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus. ~Photo by Chris Pederson

The annual Christmas Tree lighting started the holiday festivities on Thursday, Dec. 3, followed by a meet and greet with Santa Claus in the Somerville High School Highlander Café.

Santa Claus was escorted by the Somerville Fire and Police Departments for the ceremony and was available for photos following the tree lighting. All children attending the ceremony also received a gift from Santa.

Live entertainment for the event featured the Somerville High School Band, Orchestra, and Chorus; the Somerville Community Chorus; and El Sistema Somerville.

~Photos by Chris Pederson