Christmas in the Park returns to Marion Friday

MARION - Caroling, horse-drawn carriage rides and lighting of the Community Peace Tree are all on tap as the city of Marion hosts its 24th annual Christmas in the Park celebration from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday.

Of course, the big highlight of the night is the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus by firetruck - along with their special reindeer - at 4 p.m. at City Square Park in Uptown Marion. They'll visit with children throughout the evening.

In addition to the activities happening in the park, Main Street businesses host a 'Peppermint Walk” holiday shopping event, where customers can take part in the Deck the Halls Holiday Passport program. Return your filled passport by Dec. 23 to the Uptown office, 1225 Sixth Ave., Suite 100, for a chance to win a $50 Uptown Dollars gift certificate. For a list of participating businesses, visit uptownmarion.com.

Here is a look at some of the other events planned as part of Christmas in the Park. All of the activities are free.

- Lighting of the Marion Community Peace Tree - 6 p.m. at City Square Park.

- Holiday music, cocoa and popcorn - 4 to 8 p.m. at City Square Park. Enjoy refreshments while listening to a caroling chorus featuring members of the Marion High School choir and Hensen family and friends.

- Horse-drawn carriage rides - 4 to 8 p.m. at City Square Park.

- Holiday activities at the library - The Marion Public Library, 1095 Sixth Ave., hosts a variety of activities. Friends of the Marion Library host a Holiday Book and Music Sale from 4 to 7 p.m.; make-and-take crafts for kids is from 5 to 7 p.m.; and a Holiday Tuba Ensemble performs from 6 to 6:30 p.m.

- Holiday Jazz and Drive - 4 to 7 p.m. at the Heritage Center, 590 10th St. Hear sounds of the season performed by the Marion High School Jazz Band from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and the Marion Big Band from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Bring a non-perishable food item for the Kiwanis food drive. All donations benefit the Marion Food Pantry.

- Those who attend are also encouraged to bring new hats, mittens or blankets to donate to the Keep Your Neighbors Warm campaign. Items are to be collected in the caboose and distributed to area families in need through the Marion Holiday Giving Project. All children walking through the caboose receive a jingle bell, while supplies last, to ring for the lighting of the Peace Tree.

During the event, raffle tickets are to be sold for a chance to have breakfast with Mrs. Claus at the Granger House on Dec. 10. Tickets are $5 each and all proceeds benefit the Marion Holiday Giving Project. Tickets are to be sold near the caboose.

A full schedule of events is available at marioncc.org.