WARSAW — Community members braved the below-freezing temperatures tonight, Dec. 7, to get into the Christmas spirit with December’s “Holly” Days First Friday.

The first stop of the night for many was the Optimist’s Santa House at the courthouse square. Children lined up outside the house, awaiting their turn to tell Santa their holiday wishes. If you missed the Optimist Santa House tonight, you can visit it at Central Park until Dec. 23. Santa will be present for photos from 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays, 4 to 7 p.m. Saturdays and 2 to 5 p.m. Sundays.

Everyone was welcome to take a horse-drawn carriage ride from the courthouse square to Central Park with a donation of toys, canned food or cash.

The Twinkle Light Parade kicked off at 6 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Clause made a special appearance in the parade, along with Warsaw Mayor Joseph Thallemer and many city employees and vehicles. The Warsaw plow trucks were decorated for the occasion with help from students at Washington STEM Academy.

Santa and Mrs. Clause then set up shop at the Central Park pavilion to visit with all the children. Children also had the opportunity to participate in arts and crafts before heading back outside to enjoy the Central Park light display.

Tonight was the first time the display was officially lit for the public. Returning guests can enjoy the new addition of the 21-foot pixel tree, which changes colors and patterns frequently. The whole Christmas light display includes around 200,000 lights and 36 figurines. The light display will be lit until Dec. 31.