Taylor Bliese helps lead the people in a Christmas Carol Friday night on Main Street during the kickoff for Christmas in the City. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

Ashley Harrington was excited to sing for the third year in a row on Main Street Friday evening wearing a bright red dress and a big coat in 27-degree weather.

“I’m really excited to do this again as a senior,” she said. “It’s really cold, but it’s worth it to be out here with my friends and spreading the Christmas cheer.”

Harrington was one Austin High School’s Austinaires singers who helped welcome in the holiday season at Christmas in the City. She, along with many other community members, was excited to see Santa Claus, witness the Christmas cheer and watch as Mayor Tom Stiehm turned on the Christmas lights.

The Austinaires lead the parade down Main Street to kick off Christmas in the City Friday night. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

But how did Harrington feel about wearing the red dress, which is part of the Austinaires costume, on a such a chilly night?

“You get used to it,” she laughed.

Along with the Austinaires singing several songs, Friday’s festivities featured sleigh rides, Santa, a small train-ride, and many different stores that were open and offering beverages, holiday goodies, and drawings or deals.

Amber Severtson and her daughter, Taylor Johnson, were excited to share the family tradition together on Main Street.

“We’re going to light the lights with Santa and maybe get some apple cider, spend family time together, I guess,” Severtson said.

“To see the different stuff in the shops that you don’t normally get to,” Taylor added.

Severtson came with her daughter, two sons, her mother and her sons’ father, making the tradition an entire family event. For her, it’s nice to get out to see people she knows and make some new friends.

“It’s fun to see people you know and to get pictures every year, and the treats, let’s be honest,” she said.

Santa Claus stops to talk to four-year-old Eastyn Gardner and his six-year-old sister Payton Gardner of Rose Creek before helping kick off Christmas in the City Friday night on Main Street. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

Santa Claus was at the event, greeting children and determining who has been naughty and who has been nice.

“They’ll be nice, they’re always nice,” Santa said about the children. “They have their ups and downs, but they’re always nice in the end and overall.”

He comes to the annual Christmas event to see the children and bring more Christmas cheer.

“They want me here, the kids draw me in, so it’s fun,” Santa said.

“They’re already pretty excited,” he added. “They’re ready to go, and it’s a long ways till Christmas day.”

Businesses along Main Street were also busy during the annual tradition, and for Debbie and Larry Peck, the first year to be involved with the tradition was exciting. As the new owners of George’s Pizza, the inside of the pizza place was brimming with excited customers.

“It’s exciting,” Debbie said. “I’ve been just watching all the kids, it’s been fun.”

Santa Claus gets some help as he pushes the button to light the downtown decorations during Christmas in the City Friday night on Main Street. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

This is the first year the couple has been involved with Christmas in the City, and Debbie said they hope to be a lot more involved next year with more activities. Larry enjoyed everyone’s excitement.

“Everybody’s having a blast,” he said.

“Thanks to the community for all the support for the new business,” he added. “George’s looks like it’s picking up like the old times.”

For Jessica Tabor and her 7-year-old daughter, Haidyn, the event was all about having a good time.

“It’s just fun,” Haidyn said.

“It’s fun to get into the spirit, the Christmas spirit,” Jessica added.

Jessica came with her three daughters, though two were older and hanging out with friends. Haidyn was excited for one particular event.

“I like getting all the activities to do,” she said. “Maybe making some cookies and decorating them.”