KEENE, NH- Now that the holidays have arrived residents gathered Friday night on Central Square to usher in the season.

The community event ignited the holiday spirit for all present with entertainment provide by Amimattera and Cheshiremens Choir’s, as well as a reading of the poem “The Night before Christmas” by Mayor Kendall Lane. A short time later a truck from the Keene Fire Department circled the common carrying a gentleman who just arrived in the area by the way of the North Pole known to some as Kris Kringle, but known by most as Santa Clause.

The night which also featured songs sung by the crowd wrapped up with a countdown and lighting of the City’s Christmas tree, courtesy of the Savings Bank of Walpole.