Traditionally, Christmas is a chance to catch up and spend meaningful time with family members. But the season also provides an opportunity to connect with neighbors and make new friends.

In Lititz, the park board's holiday event blurs the fine line between private celebration and public celebration even further.

"To me, I think Christmas in Lititz is about the community and the neighborhood feel," said Kellye Martin, the Lititz Springs Park board's event manager. "I see people downtown, and they're meeting friends for coffee and they're enjoying Christmas in the Park. I don't see Lititz residents shutting themselves in their homes. Some people can't wait to show their visitors their hometown of Lititz."

That extended family feel will fill the air when the Lititz Springs Park board presents this year's edition of its annual Christmas in the Park community event beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, at 24 N. Broad St., Lititz. The celebration is free to attend, and both residents and nonresidents of the borough are welcome.

"It's a very quintessential small-town vibe. It's very Norman Rockwell," said Martin. "There are a lot of big, flashy tree-lighting ceremonies, but ours is more of the laid-back type from a bygone era. It's sweet and it's special. It's a way to get excited for the season. We see a lot of locals and neighbors. It's a nice way to bring the community together around the holidays."

Mayor Tim Snyder's ceremonial lighting of Lititz's ornamented community Christmas tree at the park's bandshell will serve as both the highlight and the conclusion of the 45-minute event. Christmas in the Park's festivities will begin with a welcoming from master of ceremonies Bob D'Imperio.

"We try to keep it moving," said Martin. "Christmas in the Park is a way to bring the community together and kick off the Christmas season. It's very festive. It does have a religious aspect to it, and it's a family-friendly event. We hope we created a little memory for (attendees)."

Also, from Lititz Springs Park's bandshell will come a Christmas blessing from St. Luke's United Church of Christ pastor Jeff Shanaberger, two songs from the Warwick High School choir that will serve as a preview for the group's upcoming holiday program and a 15-minute performance from students at the Encore Dance Center. There will also be a candle-lighting service and a community caroling session featuring the singing of "Silent Night."

"My favorite part is caroling with the Christmas tree lighting," said Martin. "Everyone is singing songs they know so well. I remember that moment even coming there as a kid. Now I enjoy it as an adult. It's been with me my whole life."

More than 2,000 individuals are expected to attend Christmas in the Park. In an attempt to cover the costs of the event, a freewill offering will be accepted.

"The park is just such an identifiable part of Lititz as a town," said Martin. "It's so accessible; everyone knows where it is. The trees look so great in every season. You've got the natural water feature running through it, and it can be used for so many things. It's a great space for the community to come together."

In 1994, Christmas in the Park was established at Lititz Springs Park, land once owned by the Moravian Church. The other annual community event that the Lititz Springs Park board conducts - the Fourth of July Celebration - serves as a fundraiser for maintenance and improvements of the park's grounds.

Overseen by a board of 17 trustees, Lititz Springs Park employs four workers. The park receives tens of thousands of visitors each year.

"To me, Christmas is all about hope," said Martin. "Hopefully, people can come to this place and experience peace. Hopefully, people can experience this event, and we hope it's positive and enjoyable. I love being a part of it."

For additional information, go to http://www.lititzspringspark.org.