Christmastime is here!


NANNETTE KILBEY-SMITH | It’s the big guy! Kids scramble to get close to Santa Dec. 3, as he makes his way to the gazebo in the La Vernia City Park to take photos and hear Christmas wishes.

NANNETTE KILBEY-SMITH | “O, Christmas tree” … Families are silhouetted against the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree Dec. 3, as the city of La Vernia welcomes the holidays with its 29th annual “Spirit of Christmas” tree-lighting event in the La Vernia City Park. At the free event, families enjoyed snow slides, hot cocoa, a cookie-decorating station, and more.

NANNETTE KILBEY-SMITH | Mrs. Claus has her own fans Dec. 3, as she and Santa arrive at the La Vernia Christmas tree-lighting event.

NANNETTE KILBEY-SMITH | Grayson, Olivia, and Dalila Barnes decorate ornaments Dec. 3, under the watchful eye of their grandmother, Dina Ybanez, at the Art Attack booth at the Rebellious Rose pop-up market.

NANNETTE KILBEY-SMITH | Mrs. Claus captures the attention of little Alvin Setliff as he prepares for his first Christmas with a visit with Santa Dec. 3 at the “Spirit of Christmas” tree-lighting in La Vernia. The 9-month-old’s parents are Bethany Rollf and Alecxander Setliff.

The La Vernia High School Jazz Band announces Santa’s arrival Dec. 3, playing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” next to the La Vernia City Park gazebo. | NANNETTE KILBEY-SMITH

Young dancers with Studio La Vida present their Christmas recital Dec. 3, just before folks filled the La Vernia City Park for the city’s Christmas tree-lighting event. | NANNETTE KILBEY-SMITH

LYNETTE GRAY | Snow “falls” in the La Vernia City Park Dec. 3, blown from the snow machine and drawing kids of all ages to play around the Christmas tree, as the city prepares for its 29th annual “Spirit of Christmas” tree-lighting event. Look for more photos on page 12.