Photo: Jolly ‘Ol Saint Nick with a dog

Santa Claus continues each year to find his way back to Belmont. And this year, ol’ St. Nick will visit Belmont Center on Thursday, Nov. 30, for the annual “Turn on the Town” festivities from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The night’s highlight will be when Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on Leonard Street at 6:15 p.m., riding on top of one of Belmont Fire Department’s engines. After stepping off the equipment, Santa will flip the switch on the Center’s holiday lights on a tree donated by the Belmont Lions Club, which will be adjacent to Bellmont Cafe.

Santa will then move down Leonard Street to the M&T Bank branch – the former Belmont Savings Bank – where he and the Mrs. will greet their most significant constituency: children. Parents will get the opportunity to take photos with the jolly old man. Santa will give good boys and girls candy canes and a promise to bring that special present on Dec. 24. Bad children must attend the town’s Budget Summit II at 7 p.m. in Town Hall.

“Punishment enough,” said Santa.

Leonard Street will be closed, and family and friends are invited to gather and enjoy the holiday lights, meet with Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman, listen to Belmont High School’s amazing Madrigal Singers, and enjoy some fried treats. Local business members of the Belmont Center Business Association organize the night’s events.