Times Observer photo by Josh Cotton Santa led the crowd in a countdown for the lighting of the Christmas tree during Friday’s parade.

Warren received an early Christmas present Friday night.

The forecast looked like it could drench the Downtown Warren Christmas Walk and rain throughout the day on Friday appeared to portend that possibility.

But the worst of it moved out in the hours before the parade set off, allowing for an evening of fun activities downtown.

“All we want to say is THANK YOU,” the organizers, the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry, said after the event. “Warren County is a great place to visit, but a better place to live.”

The highlight of the evening occurred during the parade when Santa and Grand Marshal Gary Lester stopped at the Point to light the town Christmas tree – a 33-foot tree that city crews placed earlier this week.

Youngsville also celebrated the holiday with its Hometown Christmas Celebration Saturday with a parade followed by activities.