Photos: Santa turns on Bristol lights during Grand Illumination

Santa Claus and his helpers hit the switch and turn on the Christmas lights.

Photos by Richard W Dionne Jr

Santa poses with families in front of the Burnside building Christmas tree.

Photos by Richard W Dionne Jr

Tony Teixeira reads "Twas the Night Before Christmas."

Photos by Richard W Dionne Jr

Ryan (left) and Tyler Falcoa sing Christmas favorites before the tree lighting.

Photos by Richard W Dionne Jr

One of two dance teams from Extensions School of Dance, performs on Hope Street.

Photos by Richard W Dionne Jr

The Mt. Hope Vocal Ensemble sing Holiday songs.

Photos by Richard W Dionne Jr

The Rockwell and Guiteras School choruses sing Christmas songs.

Photos by Richard W Dionne Jr

EastBayRI.com · Saturday, December 3, 2016 10:20 pm

Thousands crowded around the Burnside building on a chilly but calm December night as Santa Claus and two young helpers flipped the switch and turned on the Bristol Christmas lights along Hope Street during the town's Grand Illumination on Saturday night.

The night featured many traditions, Tony Teixeira read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" from the ceremonial platform, Tyler and Ryan Falcoa sang several Christmas favorites as did the Mt. Hope Vocale Ensemble and Colt Andrews, Rockwell and Guiteras choruses. Extensions School of Dance performed two dances on a sectioned off portion of Hope Street.

Once the lights were turned on, Santa took pictures with families around the Burnside building Christmas tree.

Breakfast with Santa is Sunday, Dec. 4, 8 a.m. - noon, at Mt. Hope High School on Chestnut Street. Thye event includes a children’s craft workshop, pancake breakfast and free pictures with Santa for $5.

Many Moods of Christmas Concert — Sunday, Dec. 4, 3-5 p.m., St. Mary’s Church, 300 Wood St.

Christmas Storytime — Saturday, Dec. 10, 1-3 p.m., at Rogers Free Library, 525 Hope St.

Living Windows Holiday Display — Saturday, Dec. 10, 3-7 p.m., Downtown Bristol. Merchants will bring Christmas storybooks to life in their display windows.

Also on Sunday Dec 4, at 3 p.m., is the 36th annual "A Bristol Christmas" at St. Mary's Church. The Bristol County Chorus and Roger Williams University Chorus with orchestra will sing Christmas favorites. $20 at the door.