Even Santa Claus made an appearance at the Oakdale Square Alliance's second annual Light the Night in the Oakdale Common on Saturday. 

At least 70 people celebrated the holiday season with songs, candy canes and hot cocoa. 

"We've got lights. We've got electricity," Oakdale Square Alliance president Stephanie Radner said. "It's wonderful."

Selectman Paul Reynolds lit up the crowd prior to the actual Christmas tree lighting, thanking the event's volunteers and donors while celebrating Oakdale Square's growth.

Radner noted Dedham merchants and residents played an important part in this year's festivities.  

"All donations are from people dropping money in a bucket, which is amazing," Radner said. 

Cushman Tree Service and Tedeschi Food Shops owner Ziad Greige were among the donors to offer support for the event. 

"It's magical," Radner said. "We can't thank them enough."

The Church of the Good Shepherd donated musical support for the event as church members sang Christmas carols including "Silent Night," "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing" and "Joy to the World" at the event. 

"It's the best," congregation member Patty Roberts said of the event. "You can't do anything else when it comes to Christmas."

Rev. Noble Scheepers emphasized the event helps the Dedham community in several ways.

"This kind of event can be a beacon of light for this kind of year," Scheepers said. "Any form of community project is good for any neighborhood."

However, the tree lighting and the church's holiday singing proved insufficient for Santa Claus until the crowd sang Christmas carols including "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer," "Frosty the Snowman" and "Jingle Balls."

St. Nick made the journey from the North Pole to the Oakdale Common, two weeks before he's slated to deliver presents to boys and girls across the world. 

Kris Kringle offered children candy canes while listening to their Christmas wishes at the event. 

Rader said the Oakdale Square Alliance will host future family-oriented events this spring.

The Oakdale Square Alliance's next meeting will take place Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd.