Even the Grinch sported a hint of a smile.

That’s how brightly the holiday spirit was shining at the Annual Holiday Stroll in Padanaram Friday Dec 1, which was sponsored by the Padanaram Business Association.

The celebration got underway in late afternoon with the arrival of Santa on a fire truck to kick off the holiday season. Throughout the evening, more than 20 Padanaram businesses joined in the festivities, offering everything from egg nog to German Market street food to photos with the aforementioned Grinch.

All of these events served to buoy the spirits of visitors, just in time for the grand finale, the third annual lighting of the buoy tree.

The tree is adorned with buoys, in keeping with Padanaram’s nautical feel. The buoys were decorated by residents and businesses.

A snow machine aimed at the tree created meteorological magic on an otherwise dry night.

The tree was dedicated to Molly Cote, who died in August and was known for her love for Padanaram, where she often walked her dogs, and her commitment to her family and environmental issues.

The buoy tree was developed by Molly Armando, who told the cheering crowd that the tree “has turned into something so much more than I could have imagined.’’

The tree was adorned with 3,500 feet of rope and 750 buoys.

“It’s a beautiful night,’’ visitor Jodie Werner said. “They do such an amazing job.’’

Visitor Lucas Tracy also enjoyed the festivities. “It’s so wholesome,’’ he said.

Rocking the holiday spirit with blinking lights twinkling around her neck, Leighton Zandan, 4, summed up the experience in three words. “It was awesome,’’ she said.

Support for such an event reflects the community spirit, Armando said.

“They say it takes a village and we have the best village.’’

Association treasurer Nicole Mello said she was excited about the crowd, which she described as the largest ever for the event.

“People were saying it’s a good event that put you in the Christmas spirit,’’ which is the ultimate gift for organizers and participants.