Santa, Lester Light the Christmas Tree as Warren Unofficially Kicks Off Holiday Season During Christmas Walk

WARREN, Pa. – A new wrinkle was added to a longtime event during Friday night’s 2023 Downtown Christmas Parade and Walk.

Rewatch the parade:

This year, Santa Claus and Grand Marshal Gary Lester concluded the parade by lighting the Christmas Tree at the point at Pennsylvania Avenue and Second Avenue.

“I think people are ready to have some fun,” Lester told Your Daily Local in an interview before the parade. “Just to cheer up (and) it’s good vibes, a good atmosphere.”

See Lester’s full interview:

Hundreds gathered downtown Friday night for the annual holiday event, where most local businesses kept special hours to be open. Plenty of vendors were also on hand, along with the popular Who-ville hosted by McKissock.

Photos from the event: