SANTA SIGHTINGS
It's beginning to look a lot like the holidays. Many local communities are celebrating the season with Santa parades, tree lightings and other holiday events. Here's a look at what's planned:
Salisbury Tree Lighting
The annual tree lighting takes place Sunday at 6 p.m. in Salisbury Square. The Salisbury Elementary School Advanced Band and Choir will perform. Refreshments will follow the caroling and tree lighting at East Parish United Methodist Church adjacent to town square.
SALISBURY SANTA TOUR
The Santa Tour Route will be on Friday, Dec. 11, leaving from the fire station at 4:30 p.m. and traveling through the streets downtown for everyone to see.
Newburyport Invitation Nights
Enjoy merchant hospitality, live entertainment and the spirit of the holidays throughout downtown Newburyport and The Tannery on Water Street on Fridays, Dec. 4 and 11, from 6 to 9 p.m.
NEWBURYPORT Santa's Workshop
Children can visit Santa in his workshop on Inn Street in downtown Newburyport and tell him their Christmas wishes on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. starting Dec. 5 through 20.
Amesbury Santa Parade
The annual Santa Parade will wind its way through downtown Amesbury on Saturday, Dec. 5, starting at 3:30 p.m. The tree lighting in Market Square and the annual Provident Bank Community Open House will follow the parade.
Amesbury Invitation Nights
Participating stores will be open for holiday cheer on Saturdays, Dec. 5 and 12, from noon to 5 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 18, from noon to 5 p.m.
MERRIMAC SANTA PARADE
The parade steps off Sunday, Dec. 6, at 1 p.m., and will follow the usual route, starting at the Sweetsir School, traveling south on Church Street into the town square, turning onto West Main Street, and then ending at the Donaghue School.
BYFIELD SANTA PARADE
Santa will hitch a ride on a Byfield Fire Department engine to tour the streets of Byfield beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, in Byfield Village center.
PLUM ISLAND/OLDTOWN SANTA PARADE
The Newbury Fire Department Protection No. 2 will escort Santa around Plum Island and Oldtown beginning at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, on Old Point Road. Santa will stop at PITA Hall at 2 p.m. for a "meet and greet."
NEWBURY TREE LIGHTING
The annual Christmas tree lighting and holiday festivities take place Sunday, Dec. 6, at 3:30 p.m. at the Upper Green on High Road.
MERRIMAC TREE LIGHTING
Santa will flick the switch on the tree in Kimball Park at the corner of Union and West Main streets on Sunday, Dec. 6, at 5 p.m. There will be music and character appearances, and cocoa and cookies will be served. Bring your own camera to get a photo of the kids on Santa's lap. The event is hosted by the Merrimac Light Department.
MERRIMAC CHRISTMAS EVE
Santa will leave the Merrimac Fire Station on his journey down almost every street in town at 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 24. Listen for the police car siren, and Santa will be close behind.
