The historic town of Shepherdstown will kick off its annual Christmas celebration the day after Thanksgiving, with the arrival of Santa and the lighting of the town Christmas tree.

After that, there will be many different events every weekend and some weekdays until Christmas. Most events will be free.

The town will hold its annual Christmas parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. The Dec. 6-7 weekend will also recreate a “Civil War Christmas in Shepherdstown,” with Union and Confederate encampments, period food and drink at restaurants and pubs, period music and street entertainment.

Highlights of the remaining weekends before Christmas will include three performances of the Shepherdstown School of Dance’s annual Nutcracker Ballet during the Dec. 13-14 weekend and a “Tuba Christmas” concert on Saturday, Dec. 20.

There will also be a special “Irish Christmas in America” concert the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 16.

Every weekend will include children’s activities; holiday marketplaces selling handmade crafts, baked goods, and greens; and special musical performances.

Many shops will be open late on Fridays and Saturdays.

There will be free parking in all the town’s metered spaces on Friday, Nov. 28 and every weekday from Dec. 13-26. There is always free parking at Shepherdstown’s metered spaces on weekends. Free weekend parking is also available in the Shepherd University parking lot at High and Princess streets, one block from downtown.

Events and activities will continue to be added. For an up-to-date listing of all events keep checking www.christmasinshepherdstown.com. Or contact the Shepherdstown Visitors Center at 304-876-2786 or svc@shepherdstown.info.