ROCHESTER — Echoes of Christmas carols filled the air around Rochester town hall on Monday, Dec. 4 for the town’s annual tree lighting ceremony.

Rochester Memorial School students packed the front steps of town hall to treat attendees to a sing-along featuring classic Christmas songs like “Let it Snow” and “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

During the performance, a fire truck arrived, and none other than Santa Claus stepped out to join the festivities. Santa passed out candy canes to the swarm of children and let some know that they were on his “nice list” this year.

“I’ll be back in a few weeks,” said Santa. “You all better be sleeping.”

During the festivities, town hall volunteers served hot chocolate.

Rochester Memorial School Student Adriana Cruz had the honor of lighting the tree after she won the school’s Tree Lighting Poster Contest.

Cruz flipped a switch, and the dark night was lit up.

Rochester Memorial School General Music and Chorus Teacher Susan Audette led the students in song. Audette said a lot of practice went on during recent school days.

“The kids were all super excited to come out. They just couldn’t wait,” said Audette.

“This is a town tradition that has been happening for years and years. It is a nice way to bring the community together,” said Audette. “It is always a great turnout in Rochester.”

Audette’s Christmas wish this year is “Peace on Earth, and for my students to all embrace the joy of music,” she said.