The city of Youngstown will soon be crowded with thousands of people for the holiday parade and tree lighting event. Organizers say it's supposed to be a bigger celebration this year.

"Tonight at 3 a.m. all of the roads close in the square. For the first time, we're big enough that we're shutting down so that we can set up in the morning and make sure there's no cars around and we're ready for a clear parade route," Melanie Clark-Penella, Youngstown events coordinator said.

Clarke-Penella claims this light up night will be the best one yet.

"We really went over the top this year with the entertainment. I'm so excited that we got to expand that," Clarke-Penella said.

Beginning at 4, you can pick up handmade goods and food at the Holiday Flea on Phelps.

The parade kicks off at 6 in Central Square with the tree lighting at 7:30.

Downtown businesses are also gearing up for all the foot traffic as they brought out new menu items to draw in the crowd.

"We have a brand new drink menu coming out, actually came out Monday on the first, we'll be ready for tomorrow," Steven Bernard, West 34 manager said. "We're actually adding one tonight for tomorrow, we'll have a hot and cold option for you too so if you're cold outside come in and warm up with us too," he said.

"We have a new drink menu. People should come because we have a white cranberry spritzer that's very good, we have an eggnogg martini and a peppermint espresso martini as well," Vernon Cesta, manager at V2 Wine Bar said. "Very good drinks, everybody should come and try them," he said.

OHWOW! will be set up and ready for the children to enjoy, early on.

"At 3 o' clock OHWOW! is open for free which is very nice and also on the third floor which is their new space, we have Santa's workshop up there so that's also free," Clarke-Penella said.

21 News will be there with live coverage. If you plan on joining in on all the fun, Clarke-Penella suggests getting downtown between 3:30 and 4 p.m.