(Telegraph photo by DEAN SHALHOUP) Strollers pause at City Hall Plaza to view the colorfully lighted ice sculptures created at the start of the stroll by several artists.

NASHUA — From ska to Santa and elephant ears to glistening ice sculptures, the 27th Winter Holiday Stroll pretty much had something for everyone within its five hours last evening and night.

Preliminary indications are that everything went smoothly from a public safety perspective, and judging from the smiling faces, dancing feet and long lines at most of the food trailers, it’s hard to imagine any of the thousands upon thousands of strollers went home unfulfilled.

The candlelit procession, as is customary, stepped off from City Hall, led by an antique, 1940s vintage Mack truck carrying Mayor Jim Donchess, several aldermen and other city officials. The truck, owned by Law Logistics, the former Law Motor Freight, was driven by third-generation owner Brian Law.

Nashua Fire Rescue’s Ladder 2 followed, with Santa and Mrs. Claus as passengers waving to strollers from their perch in the truck’s aerial platform.

Upon arrival at Library Hill, Great American Downtown executive director Carolyn Walley and Mayor Jim Donchess each said a few words, with Donchess doing the honors of counting down the final seconds to the lighting of the tree on the Hunt Building property.

(Telegraph photo by DEAN SHALHOUP) Strollers pass in front of the soon-to-open Nashua Center for the Arts during last night's Winter Holiday Stroll.

As the tree lit up, The Humans Being, a local band with origins in the Seacoast area, struck up a brass-driven rendition of “O Christmas Tree.”

An update with additional photos is forthcoming at www.nashuatelegraph.com.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.

(Telegraph photo by DEAN SHALHOUP) Large slices of fried dough known as "elephant ears" were among the culinary attractions greeting strollers in the area of Main and Franklin streets.

(Telegraph photo by DEAN SHALHOUP) The sea of strollers follows the lead vehicle and the Nashua Fire Rescue ladder truck carrying Santa and Mrs. Claus north on Main Street to kick off tonight's Downtown Holiday Stroll. Festivities are ongoing through 10 p.m.

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