Local communities are ushering in the Christmas season with parades, Santa visits, a holiday tour of homes and downtown celebrations.

In Johnstown, the festivities begin Saturday, Dec. 5, with the 41st annual Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Angels and Astronauts Child Conservation League (CCL).

The parade, starting at 10 a.m., marks the arrival of Santa in Johnstown as he's escorted by the Big Red Band to the Santa House in Bigelow Park.

Santa will meet and greet children in his house until at least 12 noon on Dec. 5. He will return each weekday Wednesday, Dec. 9, through Friday, Dec. 18, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. He will also be available from 10 a.m. until 12 noon on Saturdays, Dec. 12 and 19.

For the first time ever, Downtown Johnstown, Inc., and Johnstown American Legion Post 254 are sponsoring "Downtown for the Holidays" from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Dec. 5.

Pat Kramer, of Downtown Johnstown, said there will be 18 to 20 arts and crafts vendors throughout downtown Johnstown in various offices and stores from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. To add to the holiday atmosphere, strolling carolers and church choirs will sing along Main Street from 1 to 4 p.m.

Activities will conclude when historical society members light the Christmas tree in Bigelow Park at 4:30 p.m.

Throughout the Christmas season, local children can mail their letters to Santa in the special mailbox at Shull's Hardware on Main Street. Children will receive a returned letter from Santa. Each child in the household should provide their full name and address. No postage is needed. The CCL is sponsoring the letters program.

Croton Christmas features

holiday 'tour of homes'

Croton will host its 23rd annual Christmas Celebration on Sunday, Dec. 6, with activities scheduled from 1:30 to 8 p.m.

The Croton Church of Christ and Croton United Methodist Church jointly sponsor the festivities, which will include a tour of homes from 1:30 to 5 p.m.

Cost of the tour is $3 and includes the following stops:

• Rob and Jennifer Johnstown, 1691 N. County Line Road.

• Jack and Margie Harrison, 13933 Bethel Road.

• Pizza Place, owners Mark and Sherrie Webb, 2 S. Main St.

• Ken and Barb Hewlett, 38 S. Main St.

• Croton Church of Christ Youth Center, 40 S. Main St.

Santa will be on the square to visit with children from 2 to 3 p.m., and horse-drawn wagon rides will be available from 2 to 4 p.m..

Boy Scouts and all children are welcome to decorate the village Christmas tree on the town square from 2 to 3 p.m.

The local Girl Scouts will host a bake sale from 2 to 4 p.m., while the United Methodist Church is providing a dinner of soup, sandwich and dessert for a donation from 4 to 6 p.m.

The annual community candlelight service will conclude the day's festivities at the Croton Church of Christ beginning at 7 p.m. Pastor Dan Hamilton said the hour-long service will feature a Northridge High School choir, community choir, children's choir and bell choir from the Methodist church.

He and Methodist minister Pastor Eva Marie Wolfe will share the message based on John, Chapter 1.

"We'll do the tradition of everyone lighting a candle and singing Silent Night," Hamilton said. "It's a neat way to start the season in Croton. The church is well filled up with close to 200 people."

Alexandria ushers in Christmas

with annual parade, brunch

In Alexandria, the fifth annual Christmas Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12.

The Holiday Parade will bring Santa to town at 10 a.m., with line-ups starting at 9:30 a.m. at Brookside Material on the west side. All parade goers are also invited to visit the Village Spa at 12 West Main for free cocoa, coffee, and cookies before, during, and after the parade.

Any interested parade participants are welcome to join the Northridge Marching Band, fire personnel, local organizations, elected officials, Scout troops, and local businesses as they usher in the holiday season.

Kids can visit Santa for a free goody bag at the St. Albans Fire Department from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. during "Brunch with Santa."

Families are invited to enjoy the annual cost-by-donation pancake brunch sponsored by the Alexandria Fire Association while kids give Santa their wish lists.

The Alexandria Garden Club will also host its annual "Christmas Swag Sale" from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the St. Albans Fire Department. Swags may be pre-ordered by calling Tiffany Geiger at 740-967-0210.

The Alexandria Methodist Church will host its popular "Cookie and Craft Fair" starting at 9 a.m. and continuing until cookies run out. This long-standing event sells out every year. The Alexandria Public Library will also host an annual Holiday Art Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Alexandria Museum will host its annual Christmas Open House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering free refreshments and tours. The Captain Scott House will also open two rooms to the public and offer free refreshments from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.