The most wonderful time of the year gets underway officially Youngstown Friday night. Here's everything you need to know if you're going to Downtown Youngstown's annual Light Up Night and Holiday Parade this year.

There are plenty of places to park downtown with some lots offering free parking and others offering paid parking services. Note that the Covelli Centre's parking lot is not to be used for public parking, as it will be used to stage buses for the marching bands in the parade.

There will be a few portable restrooms throughout the area during the event with two being located in central square and another two located on Federal Street. There are also a few at the Covelli Centre. 

When you're driving downtown, be aware of some major roads that will be closed for the event and the parade route. These closures, as well as the times of these closures are as follows:

BEGINNING AT 8:00 A.M. FRIDAY:

- Phelps Street from Commerce to Boardman Street

- West Federal from Vindicator Square to Wick Avenue

FROM 5:00 P.M. UNTIL THE END OF THE EVENT:

- Front Street from Walnut to Vindicator Square

- West Federal from Champion to Vindicator Square

- Vindicator Square from West Federal to Front Street

- Champion Street from East Federal to Front Street

- West Federal to East Federal from Vindicator Square to Champion

- North and South Phelps Street from Commerce to Boardman Street

The event will kick off with the Flea on Phelps starting at 4:00 p.m. and lasting throughout the event until 8:00 p.m. for a detailed list of vendors and what to expect from the flea, click here.

There will also be a pop-up shop from HALO by JoJo Women's Boutique at 217 West Federal Street from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Other activities starting at 4:00 include music from DJ Chip Banks from Loud Radio livestreaming on the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC Stage in Central Square.

The Oh Wow! Science Center will also be hosting an open house with free admission from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the Youngstown Public Library will be hosting a pop-up library on Federal Street from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Greyland Vintage on West Boardman Street will also be hosting free youth arts and crafts from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

In addition, if you go to participating bars and restaurants downtown, you can get a commemorative mug sponsored by PLATT Insurance. Below is a complete list of participating bars and restaurants.

- Prima Cucina

- West 34

- Avalon Downtown

- Mocha House

- Noble Creature

- The Federal

- Gringo's Tacos

- Bistro 1907

- Bella America

- Draught House

- Dope Cider

- Whistle & Keg

- Penguin City Brewery

The parade will begin at 6:00 p.m. It will begin at the Covelli Centre and will then go from Front Street to Federal Street and loop all the way back to the Covelli Centre. 

A parade map can be found below:

 

 

While you're enjoying the parade, you can also enjoy some street food sold by Avalon Downtown, as well as Gringo's Tacos. After the parade, kids can get their pictures taken with Santa Claus, who will also be participating in the parade.

The tree lighting itself will begin shortly after 7:00 p.m. following the parade.