It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas

(Photo by CAROLINE LOBSINGER) Santa Claus arrives at Jeff Jones Town Square to the delight of local youngsters as he stopped by Jeff Jones Town Square to help to kick off the holiday season at Sandpoint’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony Friday.

(Photo by CAROLINE LOBSINGER) Santa Claus arrives at Jeff Jones Town Square with the help of Selkirk Fire Rescue and EMS after arriving in Sandpoint to kick off the holiday season at Sandpoint's annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Friday night.

(Photo by CAROLINE LOBSINGER) Santa Claus greets local youngsters after arriving in Sandpoint to help kick off the community's Christmas season.

(Photo by CAROLINE LOBSINGER) A youngster mans the cookie booth at the Christmas tree lighting ceremony Friday.

(Photo by CAROLINE LOBSINGER) A young boy hands Santa Claus a cookie to welcome him to Sandpoint during the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Friday night.

(Photo by CAROLINE LOBSINGER) Young Living Highland Flats officials are thanked for their donation of the town's Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Friday.

(Photo by CAROLINE LOBSINGER) Youngsters gather around a fire pit to keep warm at Friday's chilly Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

(Photo by CAROLINE LOBSINGER) Studio 1 dancers try to stay warm as they wait for the start of the music prior to performing at the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Friday night.

(Photo by CAROLINE LOBSINGER) Local residents line up for hot chocolate and hot coffee during Friday's annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

(Photo by CAROLINE LOBSINGER)A youngster tells Santa Claus what he wants for Christmas after the Jolly Old Elf arrived in town Friday night to help kick off the town's Christmas tree lighting ceremony.