A warmly dressed group of about 200 people gathered to celebrate the Christmas season at the Bainbridge Performing Arts Building Thursday night.

A number of singers, instrumentalists and a storyteller performed on the outdoor stage, as people kept warm roasting marshmallows, drinking hot chocolate and sitting close together on hay bales.

Everyone waited in anticipation for the lighting of the 30-foot Christmas tree set up near the entrance of the Earle May Boat Basin. As Bainbridge High School student Searcy Smith sang “Oh Holy Night,” the multi-colored lights adorning the tree lit up, much to the delight of children and adults alike.

Then it was time for the children to wait in line with their parents for a chance to sit on the lap of Santa Claus, who was rode into the Boat Basin in a Public Safety fire truck.

Many people also took hayrides on trailers towed by tractors.

Other performers included Grace Christian Church and Academy’s Praise Band and Student Choir, the Calvary Baptist Church choir and Joe Livingston.