CAMBRIDGE – Mayor Victoria Jackson-Stanley welcomed the Christmas season on Saturday, as she lighted the city’s tree in Spring Valley, with Santa Claus at her side.

It was the fifth annual tree lighting event, themed, “A Cambridge Christmas in the Heart of the Chesapeake.” Joining the festivities were many families with excited children, who were entertained by the band and chorus of Cambridge-South Dorchester High School.

The event was organized by the Cambridge Christmas Tree Committee, composed of Amy Craig, Gage Thomas, Linda Henry, Billie Sue Norton, Michael Wheatley, Patti Tieder and Paul Hurley.

“We pause to celebrate this holiday season with family, friends and the community,” a statement from the committee said. “We mark this time of joy and love by lighting the Christmas tree and remembering what it represents...peace on earth and goodwill toward men.”

The party began in front of the courthouse, with the choir lined up in front of the tall doors decorated with wreaths. At their side was the C-SD band, directed by Scott Bunting.

Mayor Stanley and Dorchester County Council President Ricky Travers extended greetings to the overflow crowd, as members of C-SD’s Interact Club served hot chocolate and cookies to the guests. After a selection of carols from the singers and musicians, Emcee Troy Hill of MTS Broadcasting chose three children as helpers, who knocked on the courthouse door and called for Santa Claus to come out.

The children and their families went down the steps to Spring Valley, where Mayor Jackson-Stanley lighted the sparkling tree. Santa then took a seat, lifted children onto his knee, and heard their Christmas wishes.