The Grinch and the Whos from Whoville celebrate the start of the Christmas season in Shepherdstown on Friday night. Tabitha Johnston

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Christmas in Shepherdstown officially kicked off on Friday, with the lighting of the tree in front of McMurran Hall.

As part of the festivities, a number of other activities were held that night including, for the first time this year, a visit by Ebenezer Scrooge from Charles Dickens’ “The Christmas Carol.”

“I have joy in my heart today, because Tiny Tim had a successful operation and he knows that he is no longer in need of his crutch!” said Scrooge, who was portrayed by former mayor Jim Auxer. “Thanks to all of you for enlarging my heart, and making Ebenezer Scrooge a member of this community.”

Other activities at the celebration included: the Kiwanis Club of Shepherdstown’s annual chili fundraiser in the War Memorial Building, two holiday handcrafted markets at the Entler Hotel and the War Memorial Building, a bonfire and s’mores making station hosted by the Shepherdstown Volunteer Fire Department in town square, photo opportunities with the Grinch and Whos from Whoville, freshly roasted chestnuts sold by the Kiwanis Club of Shepherdstown in town square and Christmas stories read by Mrs. Claus on McMurran Hall’s lawn.

For Shepherdstown resident Jan Hafer, the reading by Mrs. Claus, portrayed by Judy Shepherd, has become one of the most memorable parts of the celebration every year.

Morgan Academy students Sutton, Easton and Aiken Dubois chat with Santa Claus in McMurran Hall on Friday night. Tabitha Johnston

“I really love to hear Mrs. Claus — Judy Shepherd — read the stories every year. That is something that she’s always done and I think it’s just wonderful! I love it,” Hafer said. “The number one thing that I love about this event, is the community spirit — that everyone from all around comes and celebrates the season of good will and friendship together.”

For Washington resident Sidnie Flood and her mother, Martinsburg resident Chloe Kissinger, their favorite thing about the kickoff to Christmas in Shepherdstown was the vibrant community spirit, along with the many varieties of chili being sold in the War Memorial Building. Kissinger herself ordered a bowl of beef chili, while Flood enjoyed a more unique twist on the classic food — white chicken chili — with her slice of cornbread.

“There are a lot of people who live in Shepherdstown who are very committed to the community and bringing events and traditions to the community,” Flood said. “When you come here and you see how many people are dedicated to making something happen year-after-year, it’s very exciting to be part of!”

As it came time to light the Christmas tree, Mayor James Gatz stepped out on McMurran Hall’s lawn in front of the thousands of people in attendance.

“Welcome to our tiny town, those of you who live in the 240 acres that make up this little place and those of you who live a little bit farther out! All of us together are what make this place special. I’m really glad to see you guys here tonight,” Gatz said. “My assignment is just to turn the switch, to light up the tree, to bring a little more light, to bring a little more hope, to bring a little more joy to our families and our kids and to this holiday.”

The Christmas tree is lit in downtown Shepherdstown on Friday night. Tabitha Johnston

And that’s just what he did a moment later, as the crowd cheered in response. A moment later, the evening came to a close, with the arrival of Santa Claus at McMurran Hall via one of the Shepherdstown Volunteer Fire Department’s engines. Families then lined up in front of the building to tell him their Christmas wishes and take pictures with him to commemorate the start of the holiday season.

Ebenezer Scrooge speaks to the crowd at the Christmas in Shepherdstown kickoff in front of McMurran Hall on Friday night. Tabitha Johnston