Santa is known for visiting towns by sleigh, but Thursday night he came to Cranston via a fire truck; the jolly man dressed in red stopped at City Hall’s Christmas tree lighting and holiday celebration on Dec. 1 to visit children.

“Santa, Santa, Santa!” kids chanted as he waved out the fire truck’s window.

The city’s Christmas tree lighting and holiday celebration goes back decades and, this year, involved a variety of entertainment. There were holiday tunes from the Cranston East Jazz Band under the direction of Cranston Public Schools’ music director Greg Arsenault, a dance performance from Carolyn Dutra Dance Studio and the singing of “Blue Christmas” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” by 17-year-old Lincoln resident Jake Kambo.

“Let’s all of us think about our families and friends here on this wonderful season,” said Mayor Ken Hopkins. “This is the beginning of December, we’re going to spend the entire month celebrating with our friends and families here in the City of Cranston.”

The mayor reflected on the work that has been completed within the city over the past year – including the revitalization of Rolfe Street, Pawtuxet Village and now the ongoing site work in the heart of Knightsville. Hopkins said the construction crew is working everyday in Knightsville to build a park with a gazebo, pergola and a place for concerts.

“As we speak, they’re putting in a brand new fountain which is something new,” Hopkins said.

He spoke other projects across the city, such as the construction of Garden City Elementary School and how the school is on its way to completion. He added that the structure of the new TopGolf project coming to Cranston can be seen off Route 37.

“You can already see it’s up four stories,” Hopkins said.

Hopkin’s grandson -- JJ Ortega -- lit up the Christmas tree and, following the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, families filed into City Hall to drink hot chocolate, eat cookies and meet Santa.

“I love this city and I’m going to continue to do my best to work hard for you,” Hopkins said.

Deputy Chief of Staff Paul McAuley gave special thanks to Will Aiken, Mike Galvin, Zita McAuley, Gina Capuano, Mike Carlino, Eric Wineman, Austin Martin, John Mihekaos, Eric Goewey and Emerson Brito for their assistance in the Dec. 1 event. Council members, Police and Fire were also acknowledged Thursday night. McAuley added that the city also had a special appearance from Tina Guenette Pedersen who, in August, was crowned the USA National Success through Leadership Integrity Character and Confidence (SLICC) Ambassador; she is the first person to bring that title to Rhode Island.