Christmas in Park held; multiple other holiday activities this weekend

The annual Christmas in the. Park event was held last weekend at Easy Walker Park.

The event included free hot chocolate, free pony rides, a petting zoo, appearances by Elsa and Anna, the Grinch, Buddy the Elf, Addy Gabbard and Lucy Becker singing live, free ornament decorating, food/baked goods for purchase, train rides and more.

The train went down a lighted path at the park.

Several other Christmas activities are upcoming, including: 

• The Christmas tree lighting and downtown market tonight Friday, Dec. 5.  The event, 5-7 p.m., includes shopping and dining with downtown merchants, performances by the Sterling Academy of Dance and the cast of Elf Jr.

From 5-6 p.m. there will be photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and at 6 p.m. the official lighting of Mt. Sterling's Christmas tree.

At 6:30 p.m. there will be caroling at the courthouse with the GRAC carolers.

• The Polar Express at the Gateway Regional Arts Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.

The event includes elaborate train displays, photos with Santa, Polar Express virtual ride, hot chocolate, book giveway, treas, a live performance and more. There is free admission and patrons are encouraged to wear PJs.

• The 2025 Christmas parade Saturday, Dec. 6. It begins at 6 p.m. and is sponsored by the city of Mt. Sterling and presented by the chamber.

• The arts center also presents the Advent Musicale, conducted by Everett McCorvey. It is at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Ascension Episcopal Church. Tickets are $35 with limited seating and are available at grackentucky.org/events and Ruth Hunt Candy. A free reception will follow at the arts center.

• The Montgomery County Animal Shelter will host a Pancakes for Paws event 8-10 a.m. Dec. 6 at Applebee's Restaurant. Tickets are $10 and include three pancakes, two slices of bacon and drink. There will also be free photos with Santa and the Grinch and raffle entry. To purchase a ticket,, contact Becky Carrillo at 606-359-2763. Tickets are also available at the door.