The holiday season is a special time of year and neighborhood events turn into festivities, such events as the annual tree lightings scheduled all around Boston.

Mayor Thomas Menino invited families and residents of Boston neighborhoods to join the festivities as the Enchanted Trolley Tour made its way throughout Boston during the first weekend of December to various Tree Lighting Celebrations.

Many turned out for the prizes, music, hot chocolate and various other activities scheduled for each location. While the adults mingled with neighbors and met elected officials, children spoke with Santa Claus or gathered gifts from Mrs. Claus.

Elected officials along for the ride with Mayor Menino included: Maura Hennigan, city councilor for the sixth district; Brian Honan, city councilor for the ninth district; Michael Flaherty, city councilor at large and Francis Mickey Roache, city councilor at large.

The enchanted trolley ended with the mayor lighting up the trees on Boston Common.