Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in town during a Christmas in Shepherdstown Parade of yore. Photo by Wil Hershberger, Nature Images and Sounds

The historic town of Shepherdstown will hold its annual “Christmas in Shepherdstown” celebration the last weekend of November and the first weekend of December.

Organizers say this year’s celebration will be as festive as ever, with a wide variety of events and activities scheduled.

Both weekends will also feature carriage rides; a special indoor holiday marketplace selling greens, crafts, and baked goods on Saturdays; an outdoor farmer’s market Sunday mornings; opportunities for children to have their photos taken with Santa; and live nativity scenes at Trinity Episcopal Church.

Shops will be open late Fridays and Saturdays both weekends.

There will be free parking in all the metered spaces in town both Saturdays and Sundays and on Friday, Nov. 27.

The celebration will kick off with a series of events the evening of Friday, Nov. 27, including a bonfire, the lighting of the town tree, and the arrival of Santa.

Other events during the Nov. 27-29 weekend will include a Friday evening chili and cornbread supper and a Sunday Christmas concert at O’Hurley’s General Store.

Saturday, Dec. 5 will feature Shepherdstown’s annual Christmas parade and the Shepherd University Music Department’s annual holiday concert.

Events scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 6, include a Sunday Buffet Brunch with Santa and his elves at the Bavarian Inn, a free afternoon holiday concert by Shepherd’s Music Department and a sing-along at O’Hurley’s Store.

– For a full listing of all events see the Christmas in Shepherdstown website at www.christmasinshepherdstown.com.