The Kenmore and Bothell communities kicked off the holiday season with tree lighting events and visits from Santa over the weekend.

Kenmore held its annual tree lighting festival and holiday market at City Hall on Dec. 1. The family-friendly event included entertainment from local choirs and dance groups, arts and crafts and free photos with Santa at Kenmore Camera. Santa also surprised children with his arrival by fire truck.

Santa also traveled by fire truck to Bothell’s downtown tree lighting event on Dec. 2. Main Street celebrated with a Holiday Festival of activities, refreshments and the lighting of Bothell’s famous ”Main Street Christmas Tree” — the fir tree on the corner of Main Street and 102nd Avenue Northeast.

Also at the event, money was raised and donations were collected for Hopelink, Toys for Tots and Relay for Life. The city of Bothell gave out cupcakes and thanked residents for their support of the ballot measures in the November election.

Bothell firefighters pose at the downtown tree lighting event on Dec. 2. Photo courtesy of the city of Bothell

Kenmore’s lit tree can be seen in front of City Hall. Katie Metzger/staff photo

Santa arrived by fire truck to Bothell’s holiday event. Photo courtesy of the city of Bothell

A local choir performs at Kenmore’s tree lighting festival. Katie Metzger/staff photo

Residents flock to Main Street for Bothell’s holiday festival. Photo courtesy of Bothell Police