Normally known for his stealthy rooftop sneaking, Santa Claus once again marooned himself above Weaver’s Department Store for all of downtown to see.

Around 3,000 people crowded the intersection of 9th and Massachusetts streets Friday night to witness firefighters deploy the cherry picker to usher the big man in red down to Earth and begin taking requests for presents.

Santa appeared on the roof edge of the department store moments after Lawrence Mayor Mike Amyx switched on the holiday lights all the way up Massachusetts Street, signaling the beginning of the Christmas season.

With a spotlight on Santa, kids pointed and waved as parents focused their camera phones. Spectators cheered as the rescue operation — mistake-free — brought him down to join the crowd.

Kendall Heiman, of Lawrence, watched from the street with her husband and two sons. They have returned to the event year after year, since Asher, 3, marvels at the “fire trucks in action” and Grey, 8, gets to see Santa.

“And the suspense and peril,” Kendall added.

The event also featured Christmas caroling from the Lawrence Arts Center’s Ric Averill and the Lawrence Children’s Choir, among others.

In addition to setting downtown alight, Amyx also rang the first bell of the Salvation Army’s bell-ringing season.

“I do want everyone to know that when you hear the bell, make sure you can help,” he said.