'Christmas On State' Will Include Parade Of Lights, Tree Lighting

MANHATTAN, IL - Details for "Christmas on State," the annual holiday celebration in Manhattan, is all set. A variety of activities are planned in town on Saturday, Dec. 1. That includes a parade of lights and tree lighting ceremony to ring in the winter season.

Here's what's planned for the day:

• 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Scavenger Hunt: Turn in signed cars from 3-4:15 p.m. at the Park District Program Center. The winner will be announced at 4:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.
• 10 a.m. - Noon - Reindeer on Gustafson Street: Sponsored by local businesses. Which local businesses? Find out here.
• 10 a.m. - Noon - Caboose open on Park Road: Sponsored by Manhattan Township Historical Society.
• 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Holiday Bazaar: Sponsored by Manhattan 114 PTO
• 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Drop-in Children's Crafts: Sponsored by Manhattan-Elwood Library
• 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. - Santa takes Manhattan at the Park District Program Center: Register with the Park District for crafts, refreshments and time with Santa by calling 815-478-3224. Sponsored by Manhattan Park District
• 3 p.m. - Christmas Program, "Twas The Night Before Christmas" at Wilson Creek School. Sponsored by Kid Country
• 5 p.m. - The Grinch appears in Manhattan. Sponsored by the Village of Manhattan

Parade Of Lights

Lineup is at 5:30 p.m. Parade steps off at 5:45 p.m.

Tree Lighting

The lighting of the holiday tree will begin in Time Square after the Parade of Lights.

Photos courtesy of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce