Santa joins mayor in lighting Batavia Christmas tree

When Santa Claus finally strode along the Riverwalk and up to the Peg Bond stage in Batavia Sunday night, master of ceremonies Craig Foltos asked him if he got detoured by a double cheeseburger along the way. Santa laughed.

With that, Mayor Jeff Schielke, businessman Foltos and Santa counted down from 10, with the crowd of hundreds, and threw the switch to light the Batavia Christmas tree.

"The tree will stay lit up for the remainder of the season," Schielke said.

The Batavia Park District Festival of Lights started with the community band playing holiday favorites while wearing Santa hats, and Foltos leading the children in several songs while waiting for Santa to arrive.

After the tree lighting, Santa's Warming House, at the Peg Bond Center, opened and children up to age 10 where able to visit with Santa.

The festival is presented by the Batavia Park District in partnership with the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, Batavia MainStreet, the City of Batavia and the Batavia Police Department.