Local children seized a chance to meet the mayor of Arlington and welcome the Christmas season amid book readings, live music and dance performances during the Mayor's Holiday Party for Children at the George W. Hawkes Central Library Dec. 6.

Children sat cross-legged as members of Symphony Arlington read "The Remarkable Farkle McBride," then taught the children how to maneuver their arms and hands like orchestra conductors.

Performers from the Creative Arts Theatre and School, or CATS, took center stage, enticing children to get up and move as the performers sang and danced to "Winter Wonderland," "Frosty the Snowman" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."

Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck and his wife Linda delighted audience members with a reading of "The Polar Express" before sharing Santa's quest to better the environment during a reading of "When Santa Turned Green."

Cluck said the annual holiday party is a wholesome experience that brings citizens together, and that reading to the children remained his favorite part.

Arlington resident Maria Mariottini brought her 2-year-old son and 14-month-old son to the event. She said the party kicked off the holiday festivities rather well and provided a beneficial opportunity for children.

"It sounded like a good activity for the boys," Mariottini said. "They really liked it."

Kayla Parker, early learning librarian at the Arlington Public Library, said the event is a way to bring different organizations from the community together.

"We host events like this because the library is a community hub," Parker said. "It brings new excitement for the holiday season."