Photo: Annual Christmas Lighting held on Gallatin Street

A large crowd gathers around the Christmas tree for the official lighting on Friday, Nov. 19. The event, led by Vandalia Mayor Rick Gottman, featured a trio of Christmas carols — “Joy to the World,” “Mary Did You Know?” and “Away in a Manger” — before counting down to the holiday season. The annual Vandalia Rotary Lighted Christmas Parade followed to kick off Olde Tyme Christmas.

Photo by Leah Williams