CRYSTAL LAKE – A Grinch. A Nutcracker. A Kung Fu Panda. A light-up sock monkey bus. These are just some of the characters that helped Crystal Lake kick start its 2012 holiday season in the 16th annual Festival of Lights Parade.

Residents and visitors lined the streets of Crystal Lake’s downtown area, bundled up against the elements. Paradegoers sipped hot chocolate as they awaited the arrival of a very famous visitor from the North Pole and his holiday magic.

“Look at all these families getting together as a community,” said Diana Kenney, executive director of Downtown Crystal Lake/Main Street. “It’s the start of the holiday season, Santa’s coming to town and it’s freezing out but people are laughing and singing and wearing silly hats. It’s a truly wonderful sight.”