Christmas on the Square plans are well underway, and downtown Garland will soon be ablaze with wonderful holiday lighting displays.  This year’s event is set for Thursday, December 4 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. 
 
One significant change to Christmas on the Square is there will not be a Parade of Lights.  The annual event will, however, feature a free sled ride down a snow hill.  Yes, there will be real snow in Garland!  Patrons can also enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides through Garland Power & Lights “Avenue of Lights.”  In addition, the event will showcase holiday music performed by Garland ISD students and a special performance by Erica Lane.  Ms. Lane has been featured on soundtracks of more than a half dozen film and television projects.  To learn more about this talented performer, visit www.ericalanemusic.com.
 
Christmas on the Square highlights include the official tree lighting ceremony and free photos with Santa.  Patrons can also enjoy great festive foods as they stroll through the Christmas Bazaar shopping for special hand-crafted gifts made by local artisans.
 
No holiday festival would be complete without the opportunity to give to those less fortunate.  Garland Firefighters Association has been providing toys to needy children in Garland for more than twenty years.  Firefighter Jerry Click, coordinator of the toy drive, states, “If it wasn’t for our community’s help, some of these children wouldn’t get anything for Christmas.” Please bring a new unwrapped toy to the event and help the Garland Firefighters Association bring the joy of Christmas to all Garland children.
 
Additional parking will be available at the DART parking lot at Fifth and Walnut. Christmas on the Square is sponsored by the City of Garland, Garland Power & Light, Baylor Medical Center and Ahern Rentals.
 
Since no parade is scheduled, no inclement weather date is set.  For more information about Christmas on the Square, visit www.christmasonthesquare.com or call 972-205-2749.