One could feel the excitement outside Parsippany-Troy Hills Municipal Building Sunday evening as a large crowd of children of all ages awaited the arrival of the one and only Santa Claus.

The Parsippany High School choir sang holiday carols. Mayor James Barberio wished all in attendance a Christmas filled with peace and light. Barberio's wife, Brenda, offered a charming rendition of the classic "The Night Before Christmas." And then, hurtling through the early evening air like a nor'easter in October, Saint Nick appeared atop a glistening fire engine.

The mayor officiated the lighting of the township Christmas trees—twin towers of colorful lights—and then, Santa listened to every child's Christmas wishes inside town hall, where cookies, cocoa, apple juice and candy canes were available. Among those seen in the crowd: Councilmen Michael dePierro, Vincent Ferrara and Brian Stanton and Animal Control Supervisor Chris Dikovics.