Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand to ring in the holiday season as elves and city officials officially kicked off the holiday tree lighting ceremony Nov. 23 at Market Square.

Arriving from the North Pole by the Old Town Trolley, Santa and Mrs. Claus made their way through the crowd of hundreds to join Mayor Justin Wilson and city officials in the countdown of the lighting of the tree.

Wilson led the crowd in the countdown that ended with cheers from the crowd as 40,000 lights began to glow on the 40-foot artificial tree.

The event also served as the closing ceremony of a year-long celebration of the 275th anniversary of the city’s founding.

“This has been an incredible year for our city,” Wilson said to a cheering crowd. “We’ve been celebrating 275 years of Alexandria’s history this year. I want to thank all the folks who helped put this together, helping to keep us safe; our public safety team, and all of the businesses who have been a part of this incredible celebration both tonight and throughout the year.”

The evening began with the Town Crier, Ben Fiore-Walker calling the crowd to gather as he read a welcome proclamation. Joining Wilson on stage were members of City Council along with Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and City Manager Jim Parajon.

A natural tree will be on display in Del Ray when a tree and menorah lighting ceremony will be held Dec. 8 in Pat Miller Neighborhood Square at the corner of Mount Vernon and E. Oxford avenues.