Harlem welcomes Christmas with lights, parade

Families crowded the streets of Harlem Saturday for the city's annual Christmas parade and Christmas in the Heart of Downtown Harlem.

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Ceanna Daniel, 3, of Grovetown, had Rudolph painted on her cheek while waiting for the sirens signaling the start of the parade.

Bailey Hammett, 3, of Evans, was more concerned with grabbing all the candy she could and dancing along to musical floats. Bailey said she was excited to see Santa, and when he came into sight, Bailey grinned and waved as the man in red passed.

The fun in Harlem began Thursday evening with the city's tree lighting ceremony, complete with a snow machine.

The events continued with the Santa breakfast Saturday morning, followed by the parade and into the afternoon with sidewalk sales, art, craft and food vendors and the Kid Zone, where Javious Daniel, 7, and his sister, Jayda Daniel, 5, squealed on a carnival ride.