Santa Claus and Paul Pruitt kick off this year’s Hometown Christmas Friday night in downtown Austin. Eric Jonson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

Youngsters watch as Santa Claus kicks off the Hoetown Christmas Friday night in downtown Austin. Eric Jonson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

Visitors to Hometown Christmas take a picture with some popular Christmas characters in front of the SPAM Musem Friday night in downtown Austin. Eric Jonson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

A number of outside heaters blaze during Hometown Christmas as people huddle around them to stay warm on a chilly night Friday night in downtown Austin. Eric Jonson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

Cindy Lou Who makes her way to a photo opportunity during the Hometown Christmas held downtown Austin Friday night. Eric Jonson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

Sena Ehrhardt and Cole Allen perform Friday night during the Hometown Christmas held in downtown Austin. Eric Jonson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com