Santa arrives to holiday tree lighting in grand style

Santa arrived in grand style atop a fire department ladder truck to the delight of children and their parents during the Des Plaines holiday tree lighting event Friday at Metropolitan Square in downtown.

Food trucks, a Salvation Army hot cocoa stand, and live entertainment on the stage also were part of the event. Students and community groups decorated miniature holiday trees that were spread throughout the square.

Victoria Caldwell, 8, and her Central School classmates decorated a tree right next to the much-taller city tree as adults from the parent-teacher organization assisted.

Caldwell said she liked being able to spend time with her classmates in a Christmas setting. She said she was looking forward to Santa’s arrival, and the tree lighting.

“I like seeing my friends from school here because I don't get to see them most of the day because we’re in other classrooms,” Caldwell said.