The Downtown Development Authority’s annual Christmas Walk and Community Christmas Tree Lighting will take place from 4 to 6 p.m.

“There are a lot of pieces to the Christmas Walk this year, just at the library,” said Kenzie Williamsen, Downtown Development Authority event coordinator.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet children from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the multi-purpose room of the Dickinson County Library. In addition to sharing their list with Santa, kids can get their photos taken.

While waiting in line to see the jolly, white-bearded man, they can write a letter on a form provided by the library that can be dropped in their mailbox.

Kenzie Williamsen, left, Downtown Development Authority event coordinator, and Marissa Miner, Dickinson County Library middle grades service specialist, place a mailbox at Dickinson County Library for letters to Santa Claus.

“Kids are also welcome to bring their own letters or lists from home,” said Williamsen, adding a special mailbox is at the City Hall office for letters to be submitted at any time as well.

“Santa will take them with him to the North Pole,” she said. They will also be published in The Daily News after delivery.

During this time, the library will offer the chance to “make-and-take” ornaments for all ages.

Everyone is welcome to sit and enjoy the Kingsford High School Jazz Band play a selection of holiday tunes from 5 to 6 p.m. at the library. Cookies will be provided by the Friends of the Library.

In front of the library, in addition to the Dickinson County Salvation Army collecting donations, they will have a hot cocoa station offering multiple toppings. Kwik Trip also has donated 300 frosted cookies to be given out to visitors.

Dave Carmody of Bacco Construction puts lights on the community Christmas tree in front of First National downtown outdoor plaza in Iron Mountain. A tree lighting ceremony is planned for 6 p.m. Friday as part of the Downtown Christmas Walk. The Daily News will showcase area holiday events and decorations during its Countdown to Christmas. If you have a display to share, take a photo and email to news@ironmountaindailynews.com or submit it through the newspaper’s Facebook page. Want to suggest a location worth photographing? Send it on to news@ironmountaindailynews.com.

At 5:30 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will catch a ride with the Iron Mountain Fire Department to lead the parade to the First National Bank’s downtown outdoor plaza on Ludington Street at Stephenson Avenue.

A foot parade will follow the three blocks, where Santa will light the community Christmas tree at about 6 p.m.

“First National Bank came forward again to sponsor the event and it’s perfect to be there,” Williamsen said.

The Dickinson County Community Chorus will sing carols as they walk to the lighting, Williamsen said.

The Iron Mountain High School Honor Society students will collect hats, coats, mittens, jackets and boots to be donated to organizations in the community for children in need.

“We are so lucky to work with such a generous community,” she added.

The Bishop Baraga Catholic School will present its live Nativity scene, complete with children and animals, at the downtown Systems Control stage across from the Dickinson County Library.

“Some of that space in front of the stage will be blocked off for viewing, interacting and have a good time,” Williamsen said.

A new addition to this year’s Christmas Walk, Holly Seldon Photography will be set up on the Sandstone Terrace for family Christmas photos.

“They will be open as well for adults wanting to watch the lighting from the Terrace balcony,” she said. “It’s a nice opportunity for those that want more of the adult atmosphere.”

This year’s community Christmas tree was once again donated by Swanson’s Big Red Barn Holiday Events in Niagara, Wis., with the assistance of Bacco Construction in set up and decorating.

Radio Results Network will broadcast the Christmas tree lighting live.

The Iron Mountain DDA has brought back the tradition of the Winter Wonderland Window Decorating Contest for businesses in the downtown district. Voting opens Friday and runs through Dec. 25.

Participating businesses will receive ballots for shoppers to vote for their favorite window display. They can also go to downtownironmountain/christmas-walk or scanning the QR code to vote. Only one vote per person is allowed.

The winners will receive DDA mini-grants sponsored by First National Bank & Trust.

“I love being part of it — it is so wonderful we are able to gather as a community and enjoy the Christmas spirit together,” Williamsen said. “It’s just a magical feeling to see the Christmas tree light up as we all just walked there.”

This community event is sponsored by IM DDA, First National Bank & Trust, Dickinson County Library, Radio Results Network, Big Red Barn and Bacco Construction.

For more details about the Downtown Christmas Walk and schedule of activities, go online to DowntownIronMountain.com.

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.