Old Town will be ablaze with lights, jingle bells and Christmas cheer Friday as the Christmas tree at Howard Avenue and Main Street will be lit.

Christmas carolers, sleigh rides and refreshments will be served. Old Town merchants will offer specials throughout the night.

And of course, it wouldn't be a Christmas party without photos taken with Saint Nick.

The night will begin 5 to 6 p.m. with a free community dinner served in the Fellowship Hall at the First United Methodist Church, 201 W. Main St. The tree lighting is 6 p.m.

After the tree lighting, there will be free carriage rides and local merchants will re-open their doors. Some will offer refreshments, activities and nearly all will have sales.

Bustling to the south on Howard Avenue, the Moore Public Library, 225 S. Howard Ave., will host its 18th annual Holiday Gala beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Don't end the evening without a visit to the Brand Center for the Gingerbread House competition.

Scattered throughout Moore, firemen and businesses have boxes to collect new unwrapped toys for children.

The firefighters will collect for Santa Express. Now in its 30th year, Santa Express was started by retired firefighter Charles Mosley. One hundred percent of the money will go to the children and will be used to buy specific gifts.

Monetary donations may be made online via PayPal or checks made payable to Santa Express may be mailed to Moore Santa Express, 115 E. Main St., Moore OK 73160.

They also may be taken to the Farmer's Market, 105 E. Main St. 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday or to any Moore fire station, Sunday to Dec. 20.

Allegiance Credit Union, 12200 S. Western Ave. has adopted a Moore family and is raising funds this week and collecting money, gifts and services.

Donations may be dropped off at the credit union.

Edward Jones Investments is a drop off point for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots.

New unwrapped toys may be dropped off 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Dec. 10 at the office, 420 S. Broadway, Suite B.