MARION — Festive residents young and old gathered on the main streets of Marion on Sunday night, Dec. 12, to celebrate the start of the holiday season at the 27th annual Christmas Stroll.

The event featured horse-drawn carriage rides with Santa, a Christmas tree lighting and a variety of holiday treats offered by local businesses and organizations.

The festivities began on Front Street, where several local businesses set up booths to give away hot drinks and snacks for hungry holiday strollers.

People lined up along the road waiting for their turn to ride in a horse-drawn carriage with Santa, who waved and wished a merry Christmas to all as he circled the block.

Just a short walk down Main Street, the Marion Art Center dished out countless cups of cocoa with whipped cream and candy canes to warm the chilly kiddies.

At 5:30 pm, the town gathered in Bicentennial Park to light the Christmas tree as the air filled with the sweet sound of carols sung by Tabor Academy’s Madrigal Singers and Mixed Chorus.

As everyone gathered around, Santa arrived and illuminated the tree for all to see.

Once the tree was lit, Santa made his way over to a platform at the edge of the park and took a seat, waiting to welcome the town’s children and carefully update their Christmas lists ahead of the big day.

One little girl, Pearl Landers, said she asked him for a new baseball and bat.