On Sunday, New Philadelphia enjoyed its 16th annual Christmas Festival organized by the New Philadelphia Community Organization.

The day-long free community event consisted of ice carving, craft show, caroling, manger scene, cookies, and even sleigh "carriage" rides with Santa Claus and his wife Mrs. Jessica Mary Claus.Hundreds of riders waited in line to ride with Santa and Mrs Claus in a Leiby's carriage which was pulled by two large Belgian Horses, standing in for Santa's reindeer.Mark Crouthamel, an ice carver from Ice Works in Lakeville, and ice carving instructor, brought in more than 900 pounds of specially-made clear ice which was cut into seven sections and eventually used to create an ice sculpture in the town's square park.Carolers from the Sounds of Heaven, St Paul's Lutheran Church in Port Carbon, and Holy Cross Church in New Philadelphia also entertained the audiences with Christmas carols.New Philadelphia Community Organization president and Mayor Francis "Frani" Tkach stated, "It is nice to see so many people coming out to enjoy all the good things our caring community and dedicated volunteers provide."