Decking City Hall

Sonoma City Hall is neatly trimmed in its holiday finest after the annual lighting ceremony Friday evening. Leading the countdown was Santa Claus, who arrived at the Plaza via a vintage fire truck.

“The reindeers had the night off,” quipped one young observer as Santa’s motorized entourage, complete with police escort, made its way down Broadway.

The crowd was warmed by complimentary hot chocolate provided by the ladies of Soroptimist International Sonoma Valley, as they have for 30 years.

Coming to the Plaza on Sunday, in a tradition 25 years strong, is the Hospice by the Bay’s hosts annual candle-and-tree lighting. All ages are invited to the square’s southwest corner to honor the lives and memory of loved ones through messages, music and reflection. The free ceremony begins at 6 p.m.