Article contributed by cityonthego.org

The holidays mean shopping, sharing and snow. While First Fridays can’t guarantee snow, it will offer plenty of options for shoppers in an atmosphere of warmth and generosity on Dec. 7.

Participating downtown retailers will feature 30 gifts for under $30. Details to come online.

Businesses will have some fun in the first Hometown Holiday Decoration Contest. During the month of December, select downtown businesses will compete for the People's Choice Award for the best holiday decorations in one of three categories: Best Exterior Storefront and Window Display; Best In-Store Holiday Décor; and Best Christmas Tree. Anyone completing and turning in a ballot will be entered into a drawing for prizes from downtown stores.

First Fridays and Gilsinger Implement Co. has teamed up to stock The Window's food pantry and everyone is invited to help. Food pantries report exceptionally great needs this year, with not enough donations to fill them. The Hometown Holiday Food Drive drop-off will be at the Goshen Theater.

Join Mayor Allan Kauffman in a brief ceremony to recognize Olympia Candy Kitchen’s 100 years of service to the community. Then, carols begin at 6:40 p.m. with a countdown to light the Christmas tree at 7:15 p.m. The official tree-lighters are Boden and Pippin Stutzman, son and daughter of Goshen residents and business owners, Jeremy Stutsman and Maija Walters Stutsman.

The Goshen High School brings a live radio broadcast version of "It's A Wonderful Life" to the  Goshen Theater from 7:30-8:30 p.m. "It's A Wonderful Life" is an American Christmas classic based on the short story, "The Greatest Gift", written by Philip Van Doren Stern in 1939 and privately published by the author  in 1945.

Meet Santa and Mrs. Klaus from 5-8 p.m. at 234 South Main St., Suite 4. Photographer Bryan Chris will be on hand to take a photo, which will be posted on First Friday’s Facebook page and will be available for purchase.

First Fridays is a monthly block party showcasing businesses, artists, and entertainers in the heart of downtown Goshen. The events are hosted and organized by Downtown Goshen, Incorporated, a not-for-profit organization that ensures the growth and vibrancy of Goshen’s commercial core.

For complete event details, visit www.cityonthego.org