(Facebook file photo, Hobo's)

Fort Mill will kick off the holiday season Thursday with the annual Lighting of the Tree followed by the Christmas parade on Saturday.

Here’s what you need to know:

The Lighting of the Tree festivities take place from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5. During the event, merchants will offer entertainment, food, activities and shopping along Main Street. There will also be free face painting, balloon artists, crafting and a trackless train for the kids.

At 7 p.m., residents may gather near the red caboose on White Street to listen to music from several local elementary school chorus groups and a handbell choir. Santa Claus will also make an appearance, and residents will experience the lighting of the downtown area, including the town’s new Christmas tree.

Immediately following the event, children may visit Santa at the Bandstand on Main Street. The location of the stage has changed this year, so make sure to check out this map for more information.

The Fort Mill Christmas Parade takes place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. The parade begins at Tom Hall and Unity streets, travels through historic downtown Fort Mill and ends near Walter Elisha Park.

The Fort Mill Christmas Parade will include entries from all over the region.
(File photo/Fort Mill Sun)

For more information on the town’s events, click here.

Greg "Ricky Bobby" Rickabaugh has lived in the Fort Mill and York County community since 2006. He has covered the area while a reporter for The Charlotte Observer and a freelance writer for The Fort Mill...