Thousands of Fairfield residents welcomed Santa Claus on Saturday as the holiday season got underway.

Santa's Arrival to Fairfield, an annual event, was held at Old Town Hall instead of the Sherman Green due to construction.

Attendees could meet Santa, shop at different booths, and pet chickens, bunnies, goats, sheep and more at a petting zoo. There were also horse and carriage rides.

A few thousand children were expected to meet Santa, take photos, and participate in arts and crafts.