Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand to ring in the holiday season as elves and Alexandria officials officially kicked off the holiday tree lighting ceremony Nov. 18 at Market Square.

Arriving from the North Pole by the Old Town Trolley, Santa and Mrs. Claus made their way through the crowd of hundreds to join Mayor Justin Wilson and city officials in the countdown of the lighting of the tree.

“I’ll start the countdown at 10,” said Wilson, who led the countdown that ended with cheers from the crowd as 40,000 lights began to glow on the 40-foot artificial tree.

Entertainment throughout the evening was provided by the Alexandria Choral Society and the Silver 5 Brass Quintet. Santa himself led the crowd in a chant of “I believe.”

A natural tree will be on display in Del Ray when a tree and menorah lighting ceremony will be held Dec. 3 in Pat Miller Neighborhood Square at the corner of Mount Vernon and E. Oxford avenues.

Hosted by the Del Ray Business Association, visitors are being asked to bring donations for Carpenter’s Shelter.

According to DRBA, “In the spirit of the season, participants are urged to bring new full-size lotions, deodorants, and body wash; ground coffee; or flip flops/shower shoes in various sizes for Carpenter’s Shelter.”

Added Wilson at the Market Square tree lighting, “To all the many folks who give back to nonprofit organizations who are in need of your contributions and your volunteerism during this holiday season, you are all who make our community an incredible place to be, not just during the holiday season, but year-round.”