Step into a winter wonderland of magical lights, sounds and savory treats during the 21st Annual Merrysville for the Holidays winter celebration on Saturday, Dec. 5, in downtown Marysville.

The city of Marysville invites you and your family to this free annual community event from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in downtown Comeford Park, 514 Delta Ave. While there will be no Electric Lights Parade this year, plenty of other holiday surprises await.

The evening opens with an Arts and Crafts Bazaar in the Ken Baxter Senior Community Center, crafts for the kids, and a community bonfire. Bring your camera for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 5:30-7 p.m., or strike a memorable family pose in six specially constructed holiday display scenes around the park from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Sponsors Vinaccio Coffee and retirement community Merrill Gardens will provide coffee and cookies throughout the event, while Marysville Kiwanis Club will have a bevy of food and beverages available for purchase. Other treats, hot drinks and crafts will be available for purchase inside the Ken Baxter Senior Community Center, with proceeds benefitting activities at the center.

At 7 p.m., the lighting of the Comeford Park water tower will officially usher in the start of the holiday season in Marysville. Musical entertainment follows featuring holiday Celtic music from A Well Known Stranger.

“Dress warm and come prepared to help us kick off the holiday season in the spirit of fun and giving,” said Jim Ballew, Parks and Recreation Department director.

Festival sponsors also remind visitors to support Operation Marysville Community Christmas (OMCC). Volunteers will be on hand to accept donated non-perishable food items and new, unwrapped gifts. Items will be distributed to families in need prior the Christmas holiday.

For more information, please call Marysville Parks and Recreation at 360-363-8400.