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Erie previews Downtown Delights holiday event at Perry Square
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Summary
City officials and the Erie Downtown Partnership previewed Downtown Delights, a holiday celebration set to begin at 5:00 p.m. Dec. 5 at Perry Square, featuring a Holiday Village, free community skating, a tree-lighting about 6:10 p.m., shuttle service, and multiple charity drives and sponsors.
Mayor Schember and the Erie Downtown Partnership on Friday previewed Downtown Delights, the city's annual holiday event, set to begin at 5:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Perry Square.
Organizers described a slate of family-oriented attractions: a Holiday Village Shops market, a Downtown Community Skating Rink open from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., and a tree-lighting scheduled for about 6:10 p.m. "Tomorrow is our Downtown Delights event, and we're very glad to be inviting the Erie community downtown to experience the magic of this holiday event once again," said Dave Tamalonis of the Erie Downtown Partnership.
Tamalonis outlined participating vendors and activities including Erie Ale Works, Luminary Distilling, Werner Books (which will give away a children's holiday book), Glass Growers Gallery (offering a commemorative 2025 Downtown Delights ornament sponsored by PSN Labs) and new children's activities from the Experience Children's Museum. "Skaters can skate for free during Downtown Delights this year," Tamalonis said, noting that Lakeshore Community Services is the rink sponsor. He said regular-season skating after the event will cost $5 per person.
Organizers also highlighted transportation and charitable elements intended to broaden access. The EMTA will run free shuttles to Downtown Delights from the 6th & Liberty and 6th & Parade Street stops, starting at approximately 4:30 p.m., with return rides ending near 8:10 p.m. Tamalonis asked attendees to support two winter drives: an apparel drive (hat, glove and coat donations) for people experiencing homelessness and a Toys for Tots "Fill the Bucket" campaign, in which Carmoose (America's Erie Sand and Gravel Company) will collect new, unwrapped toys in a 10-cubic-yard bucket mounted on a Cat 980 loader.
Tamalonis thanked multiple sponsors and volunteers who support the event, including UPMC Health Plan and UPMC Hammett as title sponsors, Visit Erie, Serco Industrial Supply, Thomas d Photography (providing printed souvenir photos), and several local contractors who help with decorations and logistics. He credited city departments'public works, streets, parks, police and fire'for coordination that makes the event possible.
Mayor Schember called Downtown Delights "a great family friendly event" and encouraged residents to shop small businesses in downtown Erie during the holidays. He also reminded residents that the city is mailing 2026 recycling calendars to households and that additional copies will be available at City Hall.
The press conference closed with organizers available for interviews and a reminder to follow City of Erie social channels for updates. The event is scheduled to start at 5:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, and the tree-lighting is expected around 6:10 p.m.
