Santa’s sleigh won’t be packed with toys for another three weeks, but there are still plenty of holiday gifts in store this weekend, including parades, tree lightings and concerts. Here’s a look around the region.
> Cleveland, Tenn.: A Classic Christmas in Cleveland features three days of events, starting with Carols in the City and the lighting of the community Christmas tree at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. Santa Claus will be on hand to light the tree, which is beside the front steps at the post office on Broad Street. Visits with Santa are scheduled 6:15 to 8 p.m. in the bandstand at the Bradley County Courthouse plaza; bring your own camera for photos. Free carriage rides will be offered through the historic downtown until 8 p.m. The caroling will take place in “reverse,” with listeners roaming among the downtown churches and other key sites. MainStreet Cleveland’s annual Christmas parade starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, beginning and ending at Bradley Central High School on a route that includes South Lee Highway, Third Street, Broad Street, Inman Street and Keith Street. Sunday, Dec. 7, features the 25th annual “A Classic Christmas” concert at 3 p.m. in Lee University’s Conn Center. Performers include Lee’s Choral Union, Chorale, Symphony Orchestra, Children’s Chorale and soprano Lenena Brezna. Admission is free, but tickets are required due to limited seating. Call 423-614-8343.
> Copperhill, Tenn.: The annual Kiwanis Christmas parade in starts at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.
> Dalton, Ga.: The Magic Christmas Parade will start at 6 p.m. today, Dec. 4, on Hamilton Street. Downtown Dalton merchants will offer Down Home Christmas sales and giveaways 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Breakfast With Santa is scheduled 8-11 a.m. Saturday at Dalton Depot Restaurant, 110 Depot St.; call 706-226-3160 for reservation information.
> Dayton, Tenn.: The old-fashioned Horse & Carriage Parade starts at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, along Market Street downtown. Christmas Critters, a pageant for pets, begins with registration at 2 p.m. The four-legged contestants also will take part in the parade, which lines up at 3:30 p.m. Appalachian Christmas music and vendor booths will be set up on the Rhea County Courthouse lawn, and candlelight caroling at the courthouse will follow the parade. Santa will be available for photos. Contact: 423-775-9847.