Pitt Meadows was the place to be Friday evening for a Christmas celebration like no other.
Hundreds of people turned out, despite the threat of rain, which held off for the most part the entire evening.
There were crafts, live entertainment, face painting, and more.
Children could write letters to Santa or visit the jolly old elf in person as he paid a special visit to the city just for the event.
Rayna Ser, 4, of Langley, and her brother Koen, 2, were at the event. Rayna wrote a letter asking Santa for a rabbit – a stuffed one. Her brother wants a garbage truck.
Next they were looking forward to taking a tractor ride with Peter G-G, who was dressed as Rudolph, and singing all the Christmas classics, plus the odd Taylor Swift hit.
Isabella Rathod, 8, made a bracelet for herself and was looking forward to asking Santa for an Elf on the Shelf and a big axolotl plush Squishmallow.
Audrey Du Toit, 3, was a little too scared to see Santa this year, but is hoping to get a beautiful snake.
Youth ambassador Kasra Tavakoli, 12, had the honour of lighting up the Christmas tree in Spirit Square this year.
For a brief second the tree in Spirit Square failed to light, causing some concern.
But then it lit up the park to cheers from the crowd below.
City of Pitt Meadows Mayor Nicole MacDonald was thrilled with the event.
"It's fabulous," she said. "Great turnout, lots of young families, and just a great kickoff to the Christmas season."