Local communities celebrate Christmas at special events

Thanksgiving weekend launches the Christmas holiday. These are the community observations for the family. Read A&E every Friday for additions as the season progresses.

Snohomish County

Edmonds: Edmonds Chamber of Commerce Tree Lighting Ceremony, 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Centennial Plaza, Fifth and Bell; cookies and cider, entertainment, Christmas carols and a visit from Santa. Free. Call 425-776-6711 or online at www.edmondswa.com.

Edmonds: “The Light Before Christmas,” 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 10, Edgewood Baptist Church, 20406 76th Ave. W, Edmonds. A family-oriented Christmas show of illusions and excitement from Brock Gill and Christmas music favorites from the Edgewood Choir and Orchestra. Free. Doors open 30 minutes before the show.

Marysville: Merrysville for the Holidays &Electric Lights Parade: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 3, Comeford Park, 514 Delta Ave.; food, music and a parade of lights during this 23rd annual celebration featuring the Electric Lights Parade, a flotilla of vehicles and floats in holiday lights that will make its way along State Avenue, arriving at Comeford Park. This year’s parade begins at Marysville Municipal Court, 1015 State Ave.; immediately after the parade the lighting of the water tower officially welcomes the start of the holiday; photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus after the parade; 360-363-8400; www.marysvillewa.gov.

Mill Creek: Main Street Comes Alive With Holiday Cheer, 3:30 p.m. Dec. 3, Main Street, Mill Creek; frolicking elves will hand out jingle bracelets as a festive parade heads south on Main Street with Santa as the grand finale; the parade winds down to the Mill Creek City Hall where the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place; Santa photos; live music, holiday performers and entertainment until 7.p.m., including complimentary carriage rides, face painting and train rides. More information: www.millcreektowncenter.biz.

Mountlake Terrace: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2, Evergreen Playfield, 22205 56th Ave. W.; caroling, refreshments and a visit from Santa along with lighting the tree that sits atop the city’s water tower; www.cityofmlt.com.

Island County

Langley: “Lighting of Langley,” 4 p.m. Saturday, Langley Park, Second Street and Anthes Avenue. Carolers,tree lighting, additional music by Vern Olsen, performances by actors from Whidbey Children’s Theater and Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, the arrival of Santa and his pack of “rein-alpacas”; warm cider and hot chocolate available; www.visitlangley.com.

Langley: Langley’s fifth annual Holiday Parade, 11 a.m. Dec. 3. Complete with a float contest, this holiday favorite is in its second year, begins at Sixth Street and Cascade Avenue, winding down Second Street, along Anthes Avenue then back up First Street; Holiday Arts Walk from 5 to 7 p.m. Free; www.visitlangley.com.

Oak Harbor: The eighth annual Holiday Tree Lighting, 3 to 8 p.m. Dec. 3, old downtown Oak Harbor along Pioneer Way; treats, music, tree lighting and Santa visit at 6 p.m.; www.oakharbor.org/.