Ivan, 5, and Bailey Mullins, 7, take a second to pose with Saint Nick.

WINONA LAKE — Residents of Winona Lake and holiday enthusiasts of all ages enjoyed hot chocolate and Christmas cookies while little ones posed for photos with Santa Claus during Winona Lake’s annual tree-lighting ceremony Saturday night, Dec. 1.

Nick Hauck, managing director for the Village of Winona, coordinated the event, which culminated a day full of holiday-related festivities. Earlier in the day, The Beaded Peacock and Pottery Bayou hosted ornament-making and children were given train rides. The area was also enhanced with music from Christmas carolers.

“We always do kids activities,” said Hauck, who said the heavy rain earlier in the day subsided before events began.

“It was pretty terrible this morning, but it hasn’t rained since 2 p.m. today,” he said. “We’ve had a real good turnout with the weather, since ours was outside. There have been a lot of toys dropped off for Toys For Tots, which is actually what this event is all about.”

The event took place next to LetterWood Paper Company. The tree was lit by Jefferson Elementary School third-grader Jaycie Stockman, 9, who scaled a fire truck ladder to officially light the tree.

Jaycie Stockman, 9, prepares to light the tree.