Williamsport is gearing up for the winter holiday season and it looks like nature is too.
The festivities begin at 6pm on Friday with a magical Christmas parade of children that will welcome Santa to town.
The parade takes off at the intersection of Market Street and Fourth Street, heading west on Fourth Street to Elmira Street with adjacent streets closed off so everyone can watch the parade safely from the sidewalks and sidewalks.
The police will patrol, protect and serve the city as they do during special events.
Downtown restaurants will be open for pre- and post-dining.
But after the parade, wait a little longer as Santa and Mayor Derek Slaughter will be lighting holiday tree lights on The Green (corner of Hepburn Street and West Fourth Street) immediately after the parade.
There will also be a chance to visit Santa after the show, according to Kayla Drummond, the town’s recreation coordinator.
The annual Festival of Lights and outdoor holiday market will take place the following Friday.
On Friday, December 2 from 5-8 p.m., Brandon Park comes alive with folk festival celebrations and a holiday market.
“This event continues to grow to include not only the magical lighting of trees in the park, but also dance and food performances, music and meet-and-greets, Christmas craft workshops for kids, a wish-list letter-writing station for kids, and visits with Santa!” Drummond said.
The outdoor holiday market will feature artisan vendors with unique holiday gifts to buy, face painting, coffee, hot chocolate, food carts, and more.
“The whole family is encouraged to gather and enjoy this beloved community event that is truly a holiday treasure to be celebrated by all. Santa will have additional open visiting hours at Liberty Arena on Saturday and November 26th from 1-4pm, December 9th from 5-8pm and December 10 from 3 to 6 p.m
Keep in mind that it will be very cold on Friday with little chance of snow before 1 p.m. The height will only go up to 32, so the assembly must be more than requested. Winds will be 8 to 13 mph, with gusts up to 23 mph. The National Weather Service forecast indicated that Friday night would only get colder, with a low of -18.
Saturday also remains cool with a high near 30 but with bright sun.