Downtown Meadville celebrate "Merry Meadville" on Friday, December 1 and Saturday, December 2. Friday festivities begin at 5 p.m. with

• Carriage rides departing from the Market House (910 Chestnut Street) 
• Santa's arrival and lighting of the tree in Diamond Park at 6 p.m.
• Pictures with Santa and a silent wreath auction in the Crawford Trust building at 231 Chestnut Street from 6 to 8 p.m. 

Ice sculptures will be scattered throughout the downtown shopping district.  A student shuttle operated by Gator Express will be available from 5 to 8:30 p.m., making regular trips between Brooks Walk and the Allegheny Founders House at 908 Diamond Park, where cookies and hot chocolate will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.