~Photos by Claudia Ferro

The annual Christmas Tree lighting kicked off the holiday festivities on Thursday, December 6, followed by a meet and greet with Santa Claus in the Somerville High School Culinary Arts Bistro.

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 and Chorus, the Somerville Community Chorus, and El Sistema Somerville. Following the tree lighting, refreshments were served in the SHS atrium, where children were able to meet and take a complimentary photo with Santa.