Thousands gathered in Palmer Square on Friday evening for the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting to usher in the holiday season. The 65-foot Norwegian spruce tree, decorated with more than 32,000 lights, was lit with the help of Santa Claus. The event also featured music by Holiday Brass and the Princeton High School Choir, a special performance by the American Repertory Ballet’s Nutcracker and Clara, and a visit from Ebenezer Scrooge from McCarter Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol.” (Photo by Charles R. Plohn)