Santa Claus chose Andeilynn Hoover of Cromwell to flip the switch lighting the Syracuse town Christmas tree at the Syracuse Holiday Magic event at Veterans Memorial Park at Crosson Mill, Nov. 23. (Photo by David Hazledine)

SYRACUSE —  The town of Syracuse kicked off the Christmas season Saturday, Nov. 23, with the Syracuse Holiday Magic celebration held at Veterans Memorial Park at Crosson Mill.

Leah Smith of Syracuse sat with Santa Claus following the lighting of the Syracuse town Christmas tree, Nov. 23. (Photo by David Hazledine)

Attendees were treated to performances of Christmas carols by choirs from Syracuse Elementary School, Wawasee Middle School and Wawasee High School, while Syracuse Boy Scout Troop 728 provided s’mores and a bonfire.

Syracuse Parks and Recreation Department, which hosted the event, also served cookies and hot chocolate. “It went well,” observed Cindy Jonsson, wife of parks superintendent Chad Jonsson. “The hot chocolate was hot and the weather was nice.”

Santa Claus was the evening’s main attraction, however, and at 6:30 p.m., he made a colorful entrance in a Turkey Creek Fire territory fire truck. After greeting dozens of well-wishers, Santa, with the help of Andeilynn Hoover, oversaw the lighting of the town Christmas tree.

The Wawasee Middle School Choir was one of three school choirs performing holiday-themed songs at Syracuse Holiday Magic. Also performing were Syracuse Elementary and Wawasee High School choirs. (Photo by David Hazledine)

Audrey Musgrave, center, of North Webster roasted a marshmallow over the bonfire provided by Boy Scout Troop 728 while Jillian Davis, left, of Milford, enjoyed hot chocolate served by the Syracuse Parks and Recreation Department at Syracuse Holiday Magic, Nov. 23. (Photo by David Hazledine)