It felt like the North Pole Saturday night during downtown Danville’s Christmas festivities. Grownups and children were bundled up in heavy coats, hats and gloves and some even had warm blankets wrapped around their shoulders during the annual lighting of the Christmas tree in front of the Boyle County Courthouse. Members of the Salvation Army band played traditional tunes and the Danville Children’s Choir performed around the tall, brightly lit tree.

Immediately afterward, the crowd moved to the Community Arts Center and warmed up a bit while enjoying cookies and hot chocolate during a reception that was held for the Christmas revelers.

At the same time, right across the street the Danville Fire Department was serving their annual Chilli dinner where firefighter Larry Davidson served what he calls his homemade “five star, gold ribbon, blue ribbon” chili. He can boast about his chili because he is a four-time city chili cook-off champion.

By 7 p.m., people along the parade route up Main Street were cold, but seemed to be excited about the coming attractions — elves on floats, the Grinch, an angel on a Hoverboard, a tiny pony wearing colored lights, Frosty the Snowman, marching bands, a canoe pulled by Boy Scout “reindeer,” motorcycles and of course the big man himself, Santa Claus.

The Heart of Danville’s annual Christmas parade entries were judged by a panel of judges, who named the following winners:

• Best Themed — Perryville Elementary School Academic Team

• Most Original — American National University, Danville Campus

• Most Spirited — Edna L. Toliver Intermediate School Third Grade Visual and Performing Arts Showcase