A red beacon guided Santa to the town common for Wiscasset’s tree lighting on Saturday night. However, the beacon wasn’t that of a red-nosed reindeer.

Rudolph was already there along with their mutual friend Frosty. The two greeted event-goers and danced as members of Wiscasset’s school choruses sang “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman” and other holiday hits on the steps of First Congregational Church.

Then jazz musician Jeff Grosser, the event’s longtime emcee, hinted that Santa might be about to appear. Heads turned toward High Street below, where a moving red light was piercing the dark. It was the light on Wiscasset Fire Department’s pickup known as Truck 1, with Fire Chief T.J. Merry in the driver’s seat.

The tall, red-suited man Merry delivered to the common had been due to land at the waterfront by lobster boat Saturday afternoon, to mingle with celebrants at warming barrels and bake sales.

Mother Nature had other plans, with snow and rain scuttling the waterfront portion of this year’s festivities. But the weather was not enough to keep Santa from coming to town, nor did it stop the annual tree lighting, which draws townsfolk of all ages to the common.

“Santa goes through sleet, rain or snow. Never fails,” Wiscasset Parks and Recreation Director Todd Souza said later, after taking a cookie from a table of sweets in the church’s parish hall.

“I think it went very well considering the weather,” Souza said about this year’s installment of the holiday tradition.

Many attendees had a son, daughter, sibling, or grandchild singing with fellow students. Linda Long, husband Brian Long and their other children were there to watch 14-year-old Alicia Long perform. Her brother Jason Long, 10, plans to sing next year.

Linda Long observed that it was a warmer night than it often is for the event the family attends every year.

“This is better. It’s just kind of damp,” she said.

After the tree-lighting, church members welcomed event-goers inside the parish hall for treats and cocoa.

Santa is scheduled to be back in town on Saturday, Dec. 13, for “Breakfast with Santa” at Wiscasset Community Center. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., with Santa expected to join the breakfast at about 8:45 a.m. Contact the center for cost and other information, at 207-882-8230.