The annual Art Hop celebration and Christmas tree lighting ceremony took place Friday afternoon and evening in downtown Wayland, one day ahead of the Christmas parade.

Jennifer Antel did the honors of leading the lighting near the corner of Main and Superior streets, her first in her new official capacity as mayor.

Besides businesses opening up to revelers, the evening included the always popular Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol” characters portrayed by Wayland High School students (cover photo). Other students showed off their art projects, for which the event is named.