Parents and their children came out Saturday evening to witness the arrival of Santa Claus and to signify the start of the Christmas season with the ceremonial lighting of the 131-foot-tall tree just off of Silverdale Way.

The event was held in the parking lot of Silverdale Antiques where various vendors were on-hand to provide cookies, cider, face painting, and more. Once Santa counted down the lighting of the Christmas tree, the big man made himself available to greet children and hear their Christmas wishes.

Here are a few photos that captured the scene of Saturday’s event in Silverdale.