Santa Claus waves as he and others make their way to the main stage during the Hometown Christmas celebration in November in downtown Austin. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

The festive workers of Just Take the Cake Too serve people prior to the start of a Hometown Christmas Friday night in downtown Austin. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

A youngster gets an elevated view of a Hometown Christmas as emcee Paul Pruitt, Santa Claus and Merry Elf lead the people in Christmas carols Friday night in downtown Austin. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com