The city this evening ushered in the Christmas season with Christmas on the Avenue at Centennial Park, the Chamber of Commerce, the 1026 Urban Greenspace, the housing authority and the Halifax County Arts Council.

The event began with the lighting of the tree at Centennial Park and a visit from Santa who talked with children and allowed their parents to get photos at the gazebo.

At the housing authority parking lot vendors sold their wares.

At the 1026 space children wrote letters to Santa and made ornaments while at the arts council there were more Christmas craft opportunities.

The event serves as a lead-in to Sunday’s annual Christmas Parade which begins at 2 p.m. down Roanoke Avenue rain or shine.