Shepherdstown ushered in the Christmas season Friday evening with the official tree lighting as hundreds gathered on German Street for the annual festivities.

Chestnuts could be found roasting outside of the public library at the corner of King and German streets while a warming bonfire was a gathering place across the street just outside McMurran Hall. Members of the Shepherdstown Fire Department monitored the fire. Their duties for the evening also included ushering in the arrival of the night’s biggest guest, Santa Claus.

Prior to Santa’s arrival on the back of the fire truck, Mrs. Claus, Shepherdstown resident Judy Shepherd, read “The Night Before Christmas” and the story of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas, “to an audience of children and parents.

As Shepherd shared the story of Whoville and the attempts of The Grinch to stop Christmas from coming, the Grinch himself, along with Cindy Lou Who and a cast of Whoville residents acted out the story. They then joined hands around the Christmas tree as Mayor Jim Auxer welcomed all and lit the lights for all to see.

For more than 25 years the celebration has been held to kick off the Christmas season.

“This could not be done without all of the volunteers,” Auxer said. “For more than two decades Judy Shepherd and her family have decorated The interior of McMurran Hall.” He also recognized the efforts of the fire department and the Shepherdstown Rotary who decorated outside the hall and the town tree.

After all the stories and speeches, the important thing was for all the children to patiently wait to meet with Santa to tell those last minutes Christmas wishes.

Every child had an opportunity to visit and then received a treat from Santa.

The town continues it’s celebration with the town parade on Dec. 5 at 11 a.m as well as with a variety of other activities.