Friday, November 16 5:00-8:30 p.m.

Wood County District Public Library

251 N. Main Street

This is the official opening of the holiday season in downtown Bowling Green, held the night before the annual Chamber of Commerce Holiday Parade (scheduled to start at 10 a.m. on Saturday November 17.)

Enjoy listening to the Bowling Green High School Madrigals caroling on Main Street, take a horse drawn wagon ride, do some shopping or have dinner out while the children enjoy supervised play and snacks at our new "Before the Lights: Fun for Kids" event. (Please see the Before the Lights flyer for important information on this offering.)

Before the Lights opens at 5:00 and the other activities, including the wagon rides and carols, begin shortly afterwards. Many of our downtown businesses are holding special sales and events this evening. Please check the Downtown Holiday Specials list for details.

At 7:00 get back together with the whole family to experience the magic of holiday lights at the traditional tree lighting ceremony. Snack on tasty treats courtesy of Meijer and Qdoba Mexican Grill while you wait for the main event.

Mayor Edwards and an assistant chosen from the audience count down to the start of the holiday season. At the zero mark, they'll throw the giant switch to light the two-story Christmas tree in front of the library.

It's a lovely way to spend an early winter evening with your family and friends in the historic heart of the city.