Holiday Events in Marion: Christmas in the Park

There are many events to enjoy in Marion throughout the holiday season but probably the biggest and most well attended is Marion's Christmas in the Park and Peppermint Walk, 4 p.m. Dec. 7 in the City's Square Park.

“It's the big kick off to the Christmas season,” said Rachel Krug, Marion Chamber of Commerce Director of Member Services.

Children come to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus and families take horse drawn carriage rides around the city square listen to Marion's Big Band play holiday songs and shop in the uptown.

About 2,500 people are expected to attend the event now it its 20^th year.

Retailers in the uptown will offer a peppermint treat or activity from 4 to 8 p.m. and the Marion Public Library will offer activities for children and live music. All events in the park are free.

People can bring mittens, gloves, blankets and more to donate to the Keeping Your Neighbors Warm campaign.

Later that evening people will be able to see a free performance from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Lowe Arts and Environment Center which is sponsored by the Marion Arts Council. Local singers Carol Montag and Carlis Faurot will perform at Lowe Park. Refreshments are for purchase but the entertainment is free. It's the first Coffeehouse Night of the 2012-2013 season.

Find the full schedule below:

Christmas in the Park and Peppermint Walk 4 p.m. Dec. 7

Arrival of Santa Claus

4:00 p.m. - Don’t miss the grand arrival of our special guests by fire truck! Santa, Mrs. Claus and their special reindeer will visit with children from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Peppermint Walk Shopping Event

Visit participating Uptown Marion merchants, restaurants and businesses during this special holiday open house. All of the stores will be decorated with holiday lights, decorations and music. For a list of participating locations, please visit www.marioncc.org.

Peace Tree

6:00 p.m. - Officially kick off the festivities with the lighting the Marion Community Peace Tree.

Holiday Music, Hot Cocoa and Popcorn

4:00 – 8:00 p.m. - Enjoy hot cocoa and fresh popcorn while listening to classic holiday tunes.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

4:00 – 8:00 p.m. - Create a special memory with your family by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride around City Square Park.

Keep Your Neighbors Warm

4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Donate new hats, gloves and blankets to help serve area needy families. Items will be collected in the Depot and distributed through the Marion Holiday Giving Project.

Holiday Activities at the Library

4:00 – 6:30 p.m. Holiday Book Sale – Friends of the Marion Library host this book sale in the Library’s lobby.

5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Make & Take Craft – Children can warm up in the Library meeting room while enjoying a fun craft.

6:00 – 6:30 p.m. Holiday Tuba Ensemble – Warm up while listening to holiday music in the Library’s lobby.

All Season – Letters to Santa - Gather your holiday wish list and send it to Santa using the special mailbox located in the atrium.

Journey to Bethlehem 3 p.m. Dec. 9