Hundreds of Tewksbury residents gathered Friday night for the 25th Annual Lighting of the Town Common.

Music was provided by the Swinging Seniors and Tewksbury Public Library Director Diane Giarusso read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" before thousands of lights illuminated the common.

After that, Santa Claus, himself, came to town courtesy of a ride from the Tewksbury Fire Department. The jolly olf elf greeted children, posed for photos and took Christmas gift requests.

Photographer Shawn Hansen was on-hand and captured these images.

Were you at the event? You can upload your photos and video clips of the Lighting of the Common directly to this story to share them with friends and neighbors.