Holiday team spirit // Youngsters in the Henrico Police Athletic League show their holiday spirit with choreographed moves as they make their way along Broad Street in the Dominion Energy Christmas Parade last Saturday in Downtown. Please see more photo on B3.

Welcoming Christmas on parade // There’s nothing like a parade to get into the holiday spirit. Thousands of people lined Broad Street from the Science Museum to 7th Street in Downtown for the 34th Annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade last Saturday. Floats included big inflatables, such as this giant puppy balloon, right, that was guided down the street by a bevy of volunteers. The day wasn’t just for the young. Middle left, adults and seniors cheered and dance on the sidelines as marching bands and cheerleading units pass by. Middle right, grand marshals of this year’s parade, retired NASA mathematician and aeronautical engineer Christine Darden,

Welcoming Christmas on parade // Margot Lee Shetterly, author of the book “Hidden Figures” about NASA’s pioneering women, wave to the crowd.

Henrico High School cheerleaders showed off a few moves, as did the high-stepping Hampton University drum majors, below right, who were leading the school’s Marching Force.

A Toddler catches the attention of the Legendary Santa and the Snow Princess as they travel via reindeer sleigh down Broad Street.

Holiday lights at night // Richmond’s Downtown skyline is bathed in holiday lights as the 33rd Annual Grand Illumination kicked off the season last Friday at the James Center. Children and adults alike were dazzled by the spectacle, including Victoria Austin, 3, who posed with a reindeer as her mother, Samantha, snapped photos.

Holiday lights at night // Thousands of people enjoyed the festivities that included music, entertainment and carriage rides in Shockoe Bottom. Several people took refuge from the night air to watch the events from inside the James Center. People also enjoyed festivities at the newly renovated Train Shed at Main Street Station just blocks from the James Center.

The Train Shed was transformed into a winter marketplace where shoppers could find unique gifts.

Mina Corbeau, a performer with Host Of Sparrows Aerial Circus, thrills spectators, below, along with Santa and the band at Main Street Station.

New School Board member Kenya J. Gibson takes the oath of office Monday for the 3rd District seat on the Richmond School Board from Richmond Circuit Court Clerk Edward F. Jewett, with her daughter, Scarlett, 11, and her son, Phoenix, 8, at her side. Ms. Gibson, a 43-year-old who works in health care marketing, won a four-way contest on Nov. 7 to fill the unexpired term of Jeff Bourne, who was elected to the House of Delegates in February. Ms. Gibson called during the campaign for more funding for public education and additional support for high-risk and underprivileged students. She will serve until 2020.

Autumn reflection in North Side

Dancing and singing the night away Micah White, executive director of the Central Virginia African-American Chamber of Commerce, and Carlette Mitchell dance to J Baxter & The SAUCE Band during the chamber group’s holiday celebration Nov. 29 at The Speakeasy in Jackson Ward.