Linden Square in Wellesley was in full seasonal spirit on Saturday for the annual Holiday Stroll.

An eclectic mix of firefighters, popular characters like Rudolph and Minnie Mouse, student volunteers, and local vendors brought the joy to families and shoppers in the festively decorated courtyard.

We had to ask firefighters if that deer (Rudolf) dancing to the Bach to Rock music was the same one they saved from an icy Lake Waban the day before. “It does look similar,” one firefighter said, before pointing to one of his colleagues who was in on that rescue.

Arts & crafts and treats were doled out to whoever came through.

“Here, take one,” one woman said, handing me a coloring sheet. “Do you have kids? Do you know kids?”

A group of polite young men asked if I’d mind taking their picture in front of Minnie & Rudolf. I said “Sure.” I then asked if they knew Swellesley and if they’d mind me taking their photo, which they did and then I did.

I asked some other students staffing a table if they knew Swellesley… uh, nope. Nor should they have. Turns out they were part of a service group from Holliston, but they were happy to play along with me…