Santa and Mrs. Claus are the favorite celebrities of every Shepherdstown Christmas Parade. Toni Milbourne

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Christmas in Shepherdstown will officially kick off the holiday season at tonight’s tree lighting ceremony in front of McMurran Hall.

Along with the tree lighting, Mrs. Claus (also known as Judy Shepherd) will read stories to the children in attendance, beginning at 5:30 p.m., in anticipation of Santa Claus’ arrival. After his appearance, Santa Claus will spend time meeting with children in McMurran Hall, to determine exactly who has been naughty and who has been nice, along with each child’s wish list.

Shepherdstown Volunteer Fire Department members will be on site, as they keep watch over a bonfire in front of Town Hall, while serving s’mores to the crowd.

For those looking for a bit more sustenance, the Shepherdstown Kiwanis Club will welcomes hungry visitors to its annual Chili & Cornbread Dinner in the War Memorial Building. The meal will be served on the second floor of the building, from 4-7:30 p.m.

On Saturday, the Shepherdstown Community Club will welcome youngsters into the War Memorial Building for face painting, magic shows and other fun activities between noon and 3 p.m. In addition to this great time for children, adults can plan to support local shop owners by participating in Shop Small Business Saturday.

With the arrival of December, visitors to town can plan to see the Living Nativity at Trinity Episcopal Church. The nativity will be present at various times over the first few weekends of the season.

The start of the month features a Classical Brass Christmas at Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church. The event is hosted by the George Tyler Moore Center and Shepherd University. The concert takes place at 7 p.m.

On Dec. 3 at 10 a.m., the entire town and many from around the county and beyond will arrive to watch the annual Shepherdstown Christmas Parade, making its way down German Street. The parade will feature floats, bands, community groups and churches gathering to welcome the arrival of the Christmas season. As always, Santa Claus will wrap up the parade as the final float.

Once the parade is complete, visitors and guests will be welcome to enjoy holiday shopping opportunities at the local businesses in town. In addition, the 11th annual Trinity of Shepherdstown Christmas Cookie Walk & Handmade Craft Market will be hosted by Trinity Episcopal Church in its fellowship hall, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees will be able to sample award-winning barbecue, find gifts for family and friends and gather some delicious homemade treats to take home.

Folks can return to town on Dec. 4, to enjoy the annual Christmas meal provided at Shepherdstown Fire Department between 12 and 3 p.m., followed by caroling on McMurran Lawn at 4 p.m.

Through the rest of December, the Ho-Ho-Holiday Market will be held in the War Memorial Building and the Holiday Marketplace will be open in the Entler Hotel.

Breakfast with Santa is scheduled on Dec. 10 at The Blue Moon, from 8 to 11 a.m. The breakfast, sponsored by the Lion’s Club, has become a family favorite since its inception several years ago.

During the holiday season, downtown shops and restaurants will offer extended hours, fun gifts and seasonal menus. Parking will also be free at meters, through the beginning of January.

For additional events and updates, visit the Christmas in Shepherdstown Facebook page.