WINONA LAKE — The Village at Winona announced its annual Christmas lighting ceremony to kick off the Christmas season.

The ceremony and many family-friendly activities will take place from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, on Park Avenue next to LetterWood Paper Co.

The Village at Winona and Toys for Tots have partnered for this event to collect toy donations and ask that visitors bring new, unwrapped toys to spread the Christmas spirit.

The schedule of activities is as follows:

• 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. — Toys for Tots collection; kids’ ornament making from The Beaded Peacock and Pottery Bayou; train rides; Christmas carolers; Stinson organ demonstration
• 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. — free cookies and hot chocolate; Santa Claus
• 6:15 to 6:30 p.m. — lighting ceremony in brick paver lot next to Letterwood

Everyone is invited to have a Winona Day on the shores of beautiful Winona Lake at the Village of Winona. The Village’s unique artisan shops and restaurants will be open, and free parking is available throughout The Village. And please bring a toy so that others may have a joyous Christmas this year.