Santa Claus made his grand entrance at the end of the Main Street Bank Fantasy in Light Parade in Center Wheeling Friday night, officially declaring the start of the holiday season. (Photo by Eric Ayres)

The Wheeling Police Department will implement several road closures in the Center Wheeling and downtown areas Friday for the 40th Annual Fantasy in Lights Christmas Parade.

The parade returns to its traditional route this year, beginning at 20th and Market Streets, heading north, turning left at 10th Street, and then south, ending at 22nd and Main Streets.

No parking times and street closure signs will be posted in affected areas throughout the day. Free parking is permitted during the day in posted areas; however, all vehicles remaining on the parade route after 5 p.m. will be towed.

Road closures are as follows:

Centre Market Area – Partially Closes at 5 p.m., Full Closure at 5:45 p.m.

The staging area for floats, bands, and participants–Market Street from 20th to 24th Streets–will close to traffic at 5 p.m. All vehicles must be removed from this area by 4 p.m. Access will be restricted to parade participants and floats only. Chapline Street will remain open. Main Street in Center Wheeling, as well as the west side of Center Market, will close at 5:45 p.m.

Downtown Area – Closes to ALL Traffic at 6:15 p.m.

Main & Market Streets, from 10th to 16th Streets, will be closed to traffic at 6:15 p.m. Also, at this time and during the parade, I-70 Exit 1A (both East and West) into downtown will be closed. However, I-70 West Exit 1A into North Wheeling will remain open.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and use caution, as both pedestrian and vehicle traffic will be heavier than usual in the downtown area. Wheeling Police will be stationed at key intersections to manage traffic flow and help ensure a safe and enjoyable event for all.