Hundreds of kiddies were on their best behavior Saturday evening at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame museum.

They had to be — Santa was watching from a chair his elves set up at the museum so he could find out what the children of Dawsonville wanted for Christmas.

Johnny Lehto, 10, waited in line with his cousins to see Santa.

Dressed for cold weather in his camouflage, Lehto, whipped out a list for the Big Guy in Red.

“I want an X-Box 360,” he said, “and Legos Star Wars.”

Santa makes an early visit to Dawsonville each year to help city officials light the Christmas tree that stands outside city hall.

Saturday’s tree lighting ceremony also marked the beginning of a year long celebration to commemorate the founding of Dawsonville 150 years ago.

City Administrator Kim Cornelison called the event, which featured carnival games, photos with Santa and live musical performances for the entire family, a huge success.

“I think everybody had a really, really good time Saturday,” she said. “We hope they enjoyed themselves, and we hope they have a great and safe holiday.”