UTICA — Santa Claus, Mayor Robert Palmieri and his family invite area families to join them to celebrate the season from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at Utica City Hall, 1 Kennedy Plaza.

The Christmas at City Hall event is free to the public. Santa arrives at City Hall on the Utica Fire Department’s antique engine 11 and joins the mayor to lead Christmas carols. Weather permitting, engine 11 will take children and families on a ride through downtown.

Entertainment will feature the Parkway Silvertones, Mark Santa Maria and Michael Peak. There will be refreshments, children’s activities and visits with Santa.

In the spirit of Christmas, Palmieri asks everyone to consider bringing a donation of an unwrapped present for Toys for Tots.