The city of Jemison is welcoming the holidays this winter with a tree lighting ceremony and Christmas parade in December.

The tree lighting ceremony will be on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. at Jemison City Hall, and the Christmas parade will follow on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m.

Karen McMinn, city event coordinator, said she hopes both events yield an even better turnout than last year.

“We want to make our ceremony something that everybody in the community can enjoy, especially children,” McMinn said, “And not to forget the meaning of Christmas.”

Activities at the tree lighting ceremony will include a live nativity, a skit by local Girl and Boy Scouts, a JHS band concert and story time with Santa Claus.

Long-time Jemison resident Tracy Cobb will wear the famous red suit and read “The Night Before Christmas” to children.

Parents are invited to bring cameras for pictures of their children with Santa.

The Jemison Police Department Reserves will be selling chili and grilled cheese combo plates. All proceeds benefit the Reserves organization.

In addition, Jemison will be accepting donated items for three families needing assistance at Christmas.

One family from JES, JMS and JHS will be chosen, and a list of needed items will be posted on Jemison’s website by Nov. 1.

McMinn said the city asks that monetary donations be in the form of gift cards, not cash.

“We want it to benefit not just the children in the home, but the parents, too,” McMinn said. “The families’ identities will be kept confidential, but when they give, they know it’s going to three families here in Jemison.”

A complete agenda for the tree lighting ceremony will be posted in City Hall on Dec. 1.

On Dec. 3, the Christmas parade will depart from the Jemison High School north entrance at 2 p.m. and travel south along U.S. Highway 31.

Fox 6 Chief Meteorologist James-Paul Dice will serve as grand marshal for the parade.

Those interested in participating must submit a signed entry form by Nov. 18, and all entrants must be decorated in a Christmas theme.

Entrants may participate in a float-judging contest for a chance to win prizes of $100, $75, $50 and $25.

Parade entry forms may be picked up at City Hall or printed from Jemison’s website.

For more information, call Karen McMinn at (205) 688-4491.

A full list of local Christms events is below in chronological order.

Maplesville Christmas Parade

The town of Maplesville’s annual Christmas Parade will be Saturday, Nov. 26. Parade participants should line up in the parking lot of Maplesville High School at 3 p.m. Float judging will take place at 4:15, and the parade will depart at 5 p.m. There is no fee to enter the parade. Cash prizes of $100, $75 and $50 will be awarded to the winning floats. Anyone interested in participating may call Christine Epperson at 334-375-1236.

Clanton Tree Lighting

The city of Clanton’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting will begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1 at Corner Park, at the corner of Second Avenue North and Sixth Street. For more information, call City Hall at 755-4051.

Jemison Tree Lighting

The city of Jemison’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting will take place Thursday, Dec. 1 in front of the Jemison Municipal Complex beginning at 6 p.m.

Clanton Christmas Parade

The city of Clanton’s annual Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Chilton County, will be Friday, Dec. 2. The parade will depart from Clanton City Park at 6 p.m. Applications will be available soon at City Hall and The Clanton Advertiser office. Participants are asked to decorate their floats or vehicles with a Christmas theme.

Thorsby Christmas Parade

The town of Thorsby’s annual Christmas Parade will be Saturday, Dec. 3. Parade participants should line up at 3:30 p.m. in front of the old sewing factory and begin marching at 4 p.m. Local celebrity Grayson Russell will be this year’s grand marshal. For more information, call town hall at 646-3575.

Jemison Christmas Parade

The city of Jemison’s annual Christmas Parade will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 in front of Jemison High School off U.S. Highway 31. For more information, call the municipal complex at 688-4492.