He was accompanied by his lead elf and greeted by at least 125 families, including hundreds of children and babies.

Santa ceremoniously lit the Christmas tree in the village center to kick off Westfield’s Christmas in the Village weekend.

Hot chocolate was served at the gazebo and enjoyed by many in the unseasonably warm weather; it was 67 degrees at 6 p.m. when the crowd gathered. The village streets and parks, local businesses, churches and municipal buildings were all decorated and lit earlier in the week, with the final touch being the tree.

After the tree was lit, the crowd moved to the YWCA on South Portage Street. The Y hosted well over 100 families for a holiday event.

Children were given the opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what they wanted for Christmas, while his elf busily wrote down all the requests. Santa was in the fancy sitting room in the front of the YWCA. Parents took photos with their cameras for a personal memento.

Kaden Emery, 9, was with his mother and sister, Addison, and asked Santa for a tractor. Addison, 6, wants a Nintendo DS — a handheld gaming device. The Xbox was a very popular choice, while mainstays like Barbie and ice skates were also requested from Santa.

While waiting for a chance to see Santa, families were treated to homemade Christmas cookies, cider and hot chocolate in the main dining room.

In the gymnasium, children were encouraged to participate in making creative Christmas-themed crafts. One station included paper crafts where kids could make paper wreaths and ornaments.

The movie “Polar Express” played at 7 p.m. for interested parents and tots with chairs arranged in front of a big screen, adjacent to the crafting tables in the gym.

The event is a family tradition for many Westfield residents to come and see the tree lit with wonderment of how Santa will arrive at Moore Park.

Nicolle and Joshua Tunison come every year, and this year with their three children, Tyler, 8, Ethan, 4, and Allison, 2. The family of five, along with their friends, patiently waited for Santa to arrive at the park and then walked over to the Y. They were one of the first groups to see Santa in the sitting room. Tyler asked for a 3-D printer; Ethan, Toy Story figurines; and Allison, an Elsa playhouse.

Best friends Megan Houser and Allison Lanphere, both of Westfield, brought their children out for the evening with hopes to create a cheerful Christmas tradition for the young ones. With the assistance of their moms and two volunteers, the four young ladies crafted snowmen out of plastic spoons, glue and crafty fabrics. It was a special night for Megan’s daughter, Maddison Gordon, as she turned 6 years old Friday.

Festivities continue throughout the weekend. The Hall of Christmas in Eason Hall on 23 Elm St. offers artisan goods and concessions. Patrons may ride free horse-drawn carriage jaunts around town. Choral music courtesy of the Lake Shore Center for the Arts will play, while Santa and friends will be present from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Hall of Christmas goes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The Chautauqua County Historical Society hosts a Holiday High Tea from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The event is at McClurg Mansion and includes sandwiches, savories and beverages. The cost is $10 per person.