It was an evening of Christmas carols, hot chocolate and tree lighting during the second annual Christmas on the Hill event in Nesquehoning on Saturday.

The event, hosted by the New Columbus Fire Company and Nesquehoning Recreation Commission, rang in the holiday season with a community event filled with Christmas magic.

Santa, the Grinch, Frosty and Dancer met with children for pictures while two live reindeer from Spruce Ridge Reindeer in Albrightsville brought a little extra touch to the John F. Cerchiaro Memorial Park as residents and visitors gathered for the tree lighting in the park.

“It’s great to have the community come out and celebrate Christmas together,” said New Columbus Fire Chief Tyler Schlier, who helped man the hot chocolate and cookie table with his wife, Allyson.

The event had 30 sponsored trees, each decorated in their own themes, with many decorated to remember someone who had passed away.

The evening started with a firetruck parade down West Catawissa Street, bringing Santa, the Grinch as well as two winter characters up to New Columbus.

Santa then met with children, while Christmas music played and residents mingled. Each child who saw Santa was also given a goodie bag from the recreation commission.

At 6:15 p.m., residents and visitors gathered in the park as organizers counted down to the magical time.

Schlier thanked everyone for coming together to make the event a success and recognized the late Councilwoman Mary Fox, who passed away late last month.

“She meant a lot to us,” he said. “None of the fire companies would be here if it wasn’t for her helping us get our equipment and trucks.”

Following brief remarks, the countdown began; and with the flip of a switch, the trees were lit and the holiday Christmas season officially began in Nesquehoning.

The borough continues its holiday cheer with a house decorating contest, sponsored by the Nesquehoning Recreation Commission and Hauto Fire Company.

Any resident wishing to register their house for judging can do so by calling Ashley at 570-933-9001 or Diana at 570-645-6871. The deadline to register is Wednesday.

Judges will then go to the registered homes on Dec. 14 to determine which houses win this year’s contest.