Real snow, jolly o’ St. Nick and a kids zone are just three of the elements that will be entertaining festival attendees at Peoria’s annual Old Town Holiday Festival.

This family-friendly event will be held 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1 in Old Town Peoria between Peoria and Grand Avenues. The heart of the festival is held in Osuna Park, but extends several blocks through old town

Johnny E. Osuna Memorial Park, the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts and the Peoria Community Center will host a variety of live entertainment, including holiday-themed dances, the annual high school choral contest, theater acts, music and Peoria’s tree-lighting ceremony

Also featured throughout downtown are children’s crafts and cookie decorating, 20 tons of snow in which to play, photos with Santa, pony rides, inflatables, carnival rides and food and drink vendors. In addition, vintage, repurposed, handmade treasures and more can be found in the Shopper’s Bazaar, managed by Front Porch Pickins. Several of the area churches will also feature activities during the event.

Parking and admission are free, but some activities have a nominal fee or require a wristband purchase. Limited parking is available at the Peoria Community Center, accessed from Monroe Street or 84th Avenue. Additional parking is available at the municipal parking garages surrounding the event.

For more information, call 623-773-7137 or visit peoriaaz.gov/specialevents.

IF YOU GO

What: Peoria’s Holiday Festival

When: 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1