MARYSVILLE — A number of residents recently began their holiday celebrations early in Marysville.

On Saturday, Dec. 5, community members had a chance to see Christmas-themed decorations, music and promotions taking place on Third Street in downtown Marysville.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., businesses on Third played holiday music and decorated their store fronts for the “Streets of Carols.”

Strolling minstrels also sang holiday songs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“It ended up being a fabulous day,” said Mary Kirkland, owner of Hilton Pharmacy in downtown Marysville. “There were lots of shoppers and lots of people who got in the spirit with our ‘Street of Carols.’”

Kirkland and other Third Street merchants each had individual themes. Hilton Pharmacy’s theme was “Jingle Bells,” and Hilton employees gave away jingle bell ornaments to customers.

Later that evening, Christmas officially kicked off in Marysville during the 21st Annual Merrysville for the Holidays winter celebration.

The event, which took place in Comeford Park, saw officials light the water tower — an undertaking which typically signifies the beginning of the holidays in Marysville.

Although there was no Electric Lights Parade this year, residents were able to have photos taken with Santa Claus, the Grinch and with other holiday decorations and mascots.

Arts and crafts vendors were on hand with their wares in the Ken Baxter Senior Community Center.

Music in the park’s gazebo was provided by A Well Known Stranger, representatives from Operation Marysville Community Christmas — put on by the Marysville Community Food Bank — were on hand to collect goods and unwrapped toys.