MARION — In Marion, Santa Claus ditched the sleigh and made his entrance by boat. 

The festive figure pulled up to the dock and greeted a crowd of adoring fans. “Santa Claus!” yelled many little voices as he made his way toward a horse drawn carriage that he rode into town.

“We’re having a wonderful time here today,” said Santa, leaning over the side of his carriage.. “There's so many beautiful families enjoying the evening. You can just feel the spirit of Christmas.”

And with Santa’s arrival in Marion the annual Christmas Stroll was in full swing.

Businesses and organizations throughout Marion Village opened their doors to the community, offering hot chocolate, apple cider, cookies, hot dogs and more. 

Dave Giblin manned the cotton candy station outside the Mimi’s of Marion. This was his first time ever making cotton candy but he made sure that everyone waiting in the block-long line got their share of sugary treats. 

This year, the Marion Christmas Stroll was planned by Marion General Store Manager Angela Rossi, who took on this responsibility for the first time. 

“I was a little nervous but there were so many things in place that I was really excited to take it on,” said Rossi.

Her biggest change this year was the addition of an itinerary that outlined what events were planned for the evening and where they would take place.

According to Rossi, she already has plans for next year’s stroll.

“More — more business, more activities. But I don’t want to spoil too much.”

After dark, the Tabor Academy Student Chorus sang Christmas carols in Bicentennial Park and a small crowd gathered to listen to the classic songs and wait for Santa Claus to light the town’s Christmas tree.

With a “Ho ho ho, let there be light,” Santa Claus flipped a switch and the park was illuminated by bright Christmas trees, strings of lights and brightly lit menorah.

As the night concluded and people began to make their way home, the first snow of the year lightly dusted the town.