The village was filled with guests on Dec. 11 eager for a glimpse of Santa who, along with Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman and even the Grinch, was on hand to ring in the holidays with Marion’s annual Christmas Stroll.

Many packed the wharf by Barden’s Boat Yard on Front Street to welcome Santa as he arrived by boat.

Despite the bitter cold temperature, children of all ages and their parents ran to greet Santa as he made his way from the wharf towards his horse-drawn carriage for a stroll around the village.

The local businesses on Front Street, who sponsor the event, opened their doors for guests to take a break from the cold.

The festivities included arts and crafts inside the Music Hall, a petting zoo and a musical performance provided by the Sippican Elementary School fifth and sixth grade bands.

Marion resident Paula Gardner, the she never misses the stroll.

“We always come down for the stroll,” Gardner said. “It’s very much the same thing every year, but in a good way. You’ve got Santa coming, Clydesdale horses and the Grinch. It’s really wonderful.”

Stationed along sidewalks were free hot chocolate and food stands. The food was a favorite for six-year-old Piper Hughes.

“I love the candy canes and the popcorn and all of the foods like that because they are Christmas,” Hughes said.

After the stroll, Santa and friends made their way to the Town House for the annual lighting of the Christmas tree.

Once the tree was lit, Santa made time for a line of eager children who could not wait any longer to tell him what they wanted for Christmas.

Four-year-old Haley Lawrence was jumping at the chance to tell Santa about the most important gift she wants for Christmas this year - “a pink teddy bear.”