Carriage rides, pictures with Santa and children's crafts are all a part of this year's Community Christmas Party.

The Warsaw Parks Department will hold its "Christmas Countdown" Community Christmas Party Dec. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Center Lake Pavilion.

"The event is an opportunity for families to spend time together in a holiday setting," said Activities Director Janelle Wilson.

The event is free and participants can take a carriage ride through Central Park for $3 per person. Children 3 and younger will be able to ride at no charge.

The ride will allow those who participate to enjoy lighted displays and decorations in Central Park.

There are more than 150,000 lights in Central Park, according to Park Superintendent Jon Garber.

There are two new displays in Central Park, including a lighted sign that says "Merry Christmas" located on the Glover Pavilion in Central Park. The display is funded through donations from United Steel Workers of America Local 809 who donated $2,000 for the sign.

Another new display is an 8-foot wreath with clear lights, garland, berries and pine cones.

The displays will be lit for people to view beginning tonight from 4 to 11 p.m. It will be open each night until New Year's Day.

To help keep guests warm this year during their visit, the Warsaw Parks Department has set up a stand to sell hot chocolate, popcorn and coffee. The funds collected from the sale will go towards funding the light displays.

The Parks Department also is sponsoring letters from Santa. The cost for each letter is $1 per person and forms are available at the Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department office, 117 E. Canal St.

Completed forms and payments also will be accepted at the Christmas Party.

Individuals or businesses who would like to make donations for next year's light display may make checks payable to City of Warsaw Parks Department, Warsaw Christmas Display and mail checks to 117 E. Canal St., Warsaw. [[In-content Ad]]