Cold Night and Warm Hearts at Groton Holiday Lights Parade

People on floats tossed candy into the crowd, waved to their neighbors and called out "Merry Christmas" as thousands lined the streets for Groton's 14th Annual Holiday Lights Parade Saturday night.

The parade, hosted by the Groton Business Association of the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, began on South Road and continued to the Groton Shopping Plaza, where Santa greeted children and a crowd gathered for a tree lighting.

"It's cold but they enjoy it," said Pairlee Harris, of Groton, who brought her two children, niece and nephew.

Steve Elci and Friends provided entertainment while families waited for Santa, and parents picked up free hot coca and cookies for their children, donated by Ella T. Grasso Vocational Technical School.