Laurel kicked off the holiday season on Dec.2 with festivities throughout the day, starting with a breakfast with Santa, hosted by the Laurel Police Department. The afternoon brought a holiday parade which wound through town to the Laurel Armory, where free craft activities and goodies, along with a photo session with Santa and Mrs. Claus, delighted the crowd. Festivities concluded with a lighting ceremony hosted by Mayor Keith Sydnor.

A nutcracker welcomes guests to the Laurel Armory.
A nutcracker welcomes guests to the Laurel Armory.
The crowd gathers on Dec. 2 in front of Laurel Armory for the lighting.
The crowd gathers on Dec. 2 in front of Laurel Armory for the lighting.
Santa and Mrs. Claus, ready to welcome children and their wish lists.
Santa and Mrs. Claus, ready to welcome children and their wish lists.
(From left to right) Councilmember Christine Johnson (At-Large), Council President James Kole (Ward 1), Laurel Mayor Keith Sydnor, Laurel Director of Communications Audrey Barnes, Ward 2 Councilmembers Jeffrey Mills and Carl DeWalt and Bill Bailey, director, Laurel Department of Parks and Recreation, gather for a short presentation before the lighting ceremony.
(From left to right) Councilmember Christine Johnson (At-Large), Council President James Kole (Ward 1), Laurel Mayor Keith Sydnor, Laurel Director of Communications Audrey Barnes, Ward 2 Councilmembers Jeffrey Mills and Carl DeWalt and Bill Bailey, director, Laurel Department of Parks and Recreation, gather for a short presentation before the lighting ceremony.
Jihan Joo, Kelly DeGrange and Emma Gorin sing carols before the lighting.
Jihan Joo, Kelly DeGrange and Emma Gorin sing carols before the lighting.
Children enjoy arts and crafts activities in the Laurel Armory gymnasium before the outdoor lighting ceremony. Photo Credit: Aiesha Solomon
Children enjoy arts and crafts activities in the Laurel Armory gymnasium before the outdoor lighting ceremony. Photo Credit: Aiesha Solomon