The City of Defiance is gearing up for a festive holiday weekend, with a series of exciting events planned to kick off the Christmas season. During the recent City Council meeting, officials highlighted key activities set for this Friday and Saturday, promising a vibrant atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

The festivities begin on Friday, December 6, with Santa's arrival at the library around 5 PM, followed by the much-anticipated "Flip the Switch" event at Triangle Park. The switch will illuminate the large Christmas tree in front of the 1918 Building, marking the official start of the holiday season in Defiance. Attendees can enter a drawing for the chance to flip the switch themselves, with the drawing taking place at 8:15 PM.

In addition to the tree lighting, the weekend will feature trolley rides through downtown, starting at 5:30 PM, and a special event called the Cookie Crumble on Saturday morning, where children can enjoy cookies at various stores. The Parade of Heroes will take place at noon on Saturday, culminating in a Christmas sing-along at the community auditorium at 2 PM.

Council members also announced the opening of a new ice skating rink at Kingsbury Park, available for public use with prior online reservations. This free amenity is expected to be a hit, especially with families looking for winter activities.

As the holiday spirit fills the air, city officials encourage residents to participate in these events and enjoy the community's festive offerings. For more details on the schedule and activities, residents can check the Defiance Downtown Development and Visitors Bureau's Facebook page or the city's website.