New Philadelphia, Ohio - The City of New Philadelphia is preparing to light up the town for the holiday season, and the community is invited to join in the celebration.

The New Philadelphia Christmas Lighting Ceremony will be held this Friday, November 30th, beginning at 6 p.m. at the gazebo in downtown New Philadelphia.  

Mayor Joel Day will host the ceremony that includes performances from Central Elementary School's 3rd and 4th-grade singers, the Welty Middle School Show Choir, the Kent State Tuscarawas University Choir,  and the New Philadelphia High School Guitar Ensemble. Santa Claus will also be on hand to greet children and their families.  

Merchants and restaurants will be offering holiday specials throughout the evening, and the Salvation Army will have a donation box for coats, hats, gloves, mittens and socks. 

The city encourages attendees to stick after the ceremony for hot chocolate, cookies and to witness the unveiling of the new lighting on the Tuscarawas County Courthouse dome.