Christmas in the Valley happening this weekend

Creemore kicks off the festive season with Christmas in the Valley this weekend.

Festivities begin tonight with the annual tree lighting ceremony at Station on the Green.

From 6:20 p.m., those arriving at the event, sponsored by the Tree Society of Creemore and the Creemore and Area Residents’ Association (CARA), will be treated to a carol sing before the official start at 6:30 p.m.

As in previous years, children are invited to don a festive chapeau and enter the Crazy Christmas Hat Contest, sponsored by Cardboard Castles.

The winner of the contest gets to flip the switch, lighting up the tree.

There will be carol singing throughout the evening.

In the morning, Nottawasaga and Creemore Public School will be hosting its annual breakfast with Santa from 9 a.m. until noon.

The event includes a shopping room for the children, treasure tray raffles, craft room, silent auction and a visit from Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus.

Santa is then beckoned to the staging area for the parade.

At 1:30 p.m. the big man will be ushered down Mill Street, lead by local clubs, businesses, politicians and youth.

The parade travels south on Mill Street, east on Edward Street and north of Mary Street, passing by Leisureworld Creedan Valley.

After the parade everyone is welcome to go to the Station on the Green to warm up, have hot chocolate and visit with Santa.

A parade after party is planned at the Creemore branch of the Clearview Public Library on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

People are invited to head to the library for soup and free family activities.

The library is offering a number of Christmas craft tables and displays. Meet our special guests, Dana Mailhot and Ariel from Therapy Tails, and learn about their encouraging and non-judgmental reading program, which entices children to be more comfortable with the written word.