Chronicle file photos An assortment of events are shown from previous Christmas in Shepherdstown celebrations.

As children anxiously await the coming of Christmas, Shepherdstown is gearing up to provide some high anticipation events leading up to the holiday.

Beginning today, the town kicks off the holiday season with its annual bonfire and tree lighting ceremony. The fire, manned by members of the Shepherdstown Volunteer Fire Department, will keep folks warm at the corner of King and German streets as they wait for Santa to arrive. Mayor Jim Auxer will do the honors of lighting the town tree on the lawn of McMurran Hall at approximately 6:15 p.m. Santa’s arrival immediately following will place him at the opportune location to listen to the wish lists of every good little boy and girl in town.

Today’s events are but a mere start to the fun and festivity to be found between now and Christmas Day. Shopping opportunities are available, not only within the walls of all the unique shops in town, but at the second annual Handmade Christmas Market taking place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Farmers Market, Ho Ho Ho Handmade Market and Shepherdstown Holiday Marketplace will also offer unique gifts throughout the weekends of December.

Favorites return to town, including the annual Christmas parade set to kick off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2. Floats, clubs, organizations and more will make their way down German Street, marking the path for Santa to close out the beloved event.

Residents and visitors alike will stand in awe at the Living Nativity on the lawn of Trinity Episcopal Church, at the corner of German and Church streets. The nativity will be visible at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, as well as noon, 1, 5, 6 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2.

As the holiday approaches, there are many other events and happenings to share in the season. The George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War once again brings a Civil War Christmas living history event on Saturday, Dec. 2 beginning at noon. The Civil War Christmas events will continue through the afternoon.

Musical performances and shows of all sorts will be found throughout Shepherdstown, including the showing of classic holiday films at the Shepherdstown Opera House on Sunday beginning at 1 p.m. and again on Sunday, Dec. 3. One can hear Sea Raven on the Celtic Harp at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 at On the Wings of Dreams store on West German Street. Shepherd’s Masterworks Chorale performs that same day at 8 p.m. at the Frank Center. The annual Tuba Christmas concert will take place on Saturday, Dec. 16 at noon at McMurran Hall.

Whether it be observing holiday traditions, joining in Christmas caroling, taking a carriage ride through town or seeing the Shepherdstown School of Dance perform “The Nutcracker Ballet” at the Frank Center on Saturday, Dec. 16, the possibilities of participating in and sharing the joy of Christmas are endless.

There will be free parking at all of the town’s metered spots from Dec. 15 through Jan. 1.

For a complete and detailed schedule of these and additional events, visit the Shepherdstown Visitors Center website at svc@shepherdstown.info, or call 304-876-2786.