Hundreds turned out Thursday evening to ring in the holidays on the Covington square. Santa arrived by carriage to his Victorian themed workshop located in the Ramsey's Furniture Annex. A crowd of children greeted Santa and Mrs. Claus as the couple made their official arrival to Covington. Complimentary carriage rides, hot chocolate and cookies were provided to attendees throughout the evening by area businesses. The Lighting of the Courthouse was the finale of the night, which featured holiday performances by The Newton County Band and The Oxford Singing Children. Flemmie Pitts was announced as the person who would have the honor of lighting the courthouse. Pitts was nominated by a group of citizens and selected by a committee granting him the honor of lighting the courthouse this year. As the courthouse was lit, artificial snow began to fall on the crowd gathered to welcome the holiday season to Newton County.