YOUNGSTOWN - Downtown Youngstown is preparing for one of its largest and most anticipated holiday traditions.

The city’s annual Holiday Parade, Christmas tree lighting known as 'Light Up Night' and Flea on Phelps return Friday, Dec. 5, bringing thousands of people downtown for a full evening of holiday events, music and family activities. 

Festivities begin at 4 p.m. with the Holiday Flea on North and South Phelps Street, with more vendors expected this year.

The market will feature holiday vendors, baked goods, handmade gifts and seasonal items as part of the city’s Light Up Night celebrations.

"This parade is a way for all of us to be connected and to be in the spirit of the holiday, of giving, of enjoying," Cityscape Executive Director Sharon Letson said, "and of a little bit in awe of the beauty of it."

The Holiday Parade is set to begin at 6 p.m. in Youngstown's Central Square and is at full capacity for 2025.

Fourteen local high school marching bands are scheduled to participate, benefiting from title sponsor WesBanco, which is donating $1,000 to each music program marching in the parade, and bands will compete for additional cash prizes in the annual “Strike Up the Band Contest.”

The Christmas Tree Lighting will take place immediately following the parade at approximately 7:15/7:30 p.m. in Central Square.

OH WOW! will offer free admission from 3 to 6 p.m., where all three floors of the museum will be open with music, crafts and hands-on STEM activities.

Santa’s Workshop will run on the third floor from 3 to 8 p.m., including free photos with Santa from 3 to 5:15 p.m. and character appearances such as Elsa, the Grinch, and Buddy the Elf, among others.

Families can also receive a free 3D-printed ornament.

Main stage entertainment will run from 4 to 8 p.m. in Central Square.

The lineup includes Idora & the Wildcats, a holiday medley by Brooke Lynn and Andrew from The 232 and the Andrews Family Singers.

The stage is sponsored by #1 Cochran and hosted by Lex the MC.

Throughout the evening, several downtown businesses will also offer extended hours and holiday-themed menus and drink specials.

"It's sort of that small town hallmark, kind of feeling of in our downtown," Letson said, "Come enjoy the night. Support our downtown."

Participating locations include Avalon Downtown, Blue Heron, Dope Cider House, Draught House, The Federal, Mocha House, Yosteria, The Octave, Ryes, Imbibe and others.

The third annual commemorative holiday mug, sponsored by PLATT Insurance, will also return this year and will be available at multiple businesses, including Casa di Canzonetta, DoubleTree, Draught House, The Federal, Penguin City and Yosteria.

Parking options include free lots, paid lots ranging from $3 to $15 and parking at the YSU Wick Avenue Deck for $5. A shuttle will run between the Wick Deck and downtown from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Penguin City shuttles will operate from 6 to 11 p.m., and regular late-night shuttle service will continue until 2:30 a.m.

The parade map also includes new accessibility accommodations.

An ADA drop-off zone will be located in front of the DoubleTree Hotel, along with a designated ADA viewing area on the parade route and an ADA pickup location at 250 E. Federal Street.

Covelli Centre parking will be reserved for parade participants only and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visitors are encouraged to review the full parade map, parking guide and schedule before arriving downtown.

"Come early and stay late," Letson said, "Do all the things, enjoy our downtown, go see our beautiful restaurants and the hotel."

Additional information, including parking info and all festitivies, is available here.