Thousands of lights and dozens of other decorations brought the magic of Christmas to Walnut Street on Wednesday evening.

Twinkling lights, a Christmas craft and Santa Claus at Booker T. Washington Elementary School provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of fun at school.

“I like the atmosphere,” said School Board member-elect Tyron Riddick, who was among the judges for the light contest. “It reminds me of how Booker T. used to be when I was a student.”

Different classes decorated sections of the school’s garden courtyard. Large decorations included Santa Claus, Elf from the Will Ferrell movie, Snoopy, penguins, gingerbread men, snowmen, the Grinch, Rudolph and the Abominable Snowman from the TV special, and even Spongebob.

Combined with lights, it made the entire garden seem like a winter wonderland. Children ran through the courtyard looking at all the different decorations and showing their parents the section they helped decorate.

This is the fourth year of doing the event, and it gets bigger every year, said Title I reading specialist Jenny Owens.

Many of the decorations were donated, some from her parents. She also goes to thrift stores, garage sales and after-Christmas sales all year long to see what kind of decorations she can find for the garden, as do other staff members.

“We share the wealth,” she said. “The kids have enjoyed the whole process.”

Owens said the event is important for the community.

“I think it promotes a spirit of community,” she said. “We work together to provide something for the parents and the families and the community members. We did a lot of promotion on social media to try to get people here and see what a great little school it is.”

The courtyard garden is functional and grows produce most of the year. Students have planted flowers, tomatoes, peanuts, garlic and more, and it doesn’t stop growing in the wintertime.

“The little lights are warming our collards,” Owens said.

“We want them to be aware that this is the heart of our school and it’s a big part of what we do,” Owens said. “It’s bringing awareness to the fact we do a lot of gardening.”

The event also featured students caroling and a chance to see Santa Claus and do a Christmas craft.

There was also a book giveaway, which Owens said could help encourage reluctant readers.

“We want them to encourage reading at home and enjoyment,” Owens said. “The parents can give it to them as a gift so they don’t see it as just something from school. If they celebrate Christmas they can choose to give it to them on Christmas morning.”

The event is also a great time for parents to visit the school.

“Events like this bring parents out. When parents are here, it’s a great time to build relationships with parents,” she said.