STRONGSVILLE – Santa Claus came down from the North Pole to greet children at the Nov. 20 Winter Wonderland and Lighting Celebration on the Commons.

The jolly gift giver brought Mrs. Claus and elves to help. He also brought bitter temperatures and a coating of white. But, hey, it’s OK because it’s Christmastime in Strongsville.

Speaking of being frozen, Elsa, Anna and Olaf were on site for pictures with adoring fans. There were also the Grinch, Mickey Mouse, Shrek, Tigger and Winnie the Pooh mingling with families on the Commons throughout the evening.

But the evening was mostly about light, as in seasonal displays, live trees throughout the Commons and the Community Christmas Tree standing tall.

The most fantastic light display, however, came by way of the spectacular fireworks display in front of and above the police headquarters on the Commons.

The best thing, aside from the pyrotechnic oohs and ahhs the display solicited, was the fact that no tax dollars were used. Business and private donations allowed for fireworks a little more than one month before Christmas Day.

“As you walk around the Commons you can view the generosity of the many businessmen and –women and residents of our community,” Mayor Thomas Perciak said. “In the last 10 years you are looking at approximately $450,000 worth of lights and figures. We’re thrilled that this is a free family event and it is free because of the generosity and kindness of all our donors.”

The Winter Wonderland and Lighting Celebration on the Commons has become a family tradition for many. Even with wind chills that numbed fingers and toes, it didn’t dampen the spirit of those who came out to enjoy a bit of Christmas on a Sunday evening.

The Krenz family could be found hugging cups of hot chocolate, courtesy of the Lions Club. It was a wise choice on a chilly night.

Parents Paul and Lisa, along with daughters Bella and Lisa had their own choices for favorite aspect of their annual visit to the lighting event.

“The fireworks,” said Paul.

“The lighting,” said Lisa.

“Hot chocolate,” stated Bella and Gwen in unison.

Samantha Evcic and her family live in Cleveland, but come to the Strongsville Winter Wonderland event each year. 2016 was no different.

“My parents live out here. I love all the characters and all the lighting,” she said.

New features this year included Bruce the Spruce, a talking Christmas Tree that interacted with children, and digital mapping of Christmas scenes on the Old Town Hall across from the Commons that rotated throughout the evening.

The line for Santa Claus began forming before 5 p.m. with festivities scheduled for 5:30. First in line to get their wishes into Saint Nick were the Rios sisters, Mya, 5, who wanted a pogo stick, and Megan, 12, who wanted a new phone.

When asked what she would say to Santa and Mrs. Claus, Mya responded, “Merry Christmas.”

Mirabella Miller, 5, wasn’t sure what she wanted for Christmas, but stated her favorite princess was Elsa.

Santa Claus visited with hundreds of children during his time in the Crystal Palace at the center of the Commons. He also had a message for everyone.

“May there be love in everybody’s heart and may we all have a good community and great spirit for the season,” he said.

The Commons wasn’t the only spot where Christmas activities took place Nov. 20.

A live nativity outside the Strongsville United Church of Christ at the corner of Pearl and Royalton roads attracted many visitors. The warmth and welcoming attitude brought people inside the doors of the house of worship where seasonal snacks, hot cocoa and hot cider warmed the body, while the DFS Singer warmed the soul with songs of the season.

The Strongsville Historical Village decorated the eight buildings on the grounds for Christmas, while the pathways were also lighted for the season.