While it is hard to believe that it is nearly Christmas time yet again, here we are.

The unofficial kickoff to the season arrives in Live Oak again this weekend, with the arrival of the 35th annual Christmas on the Square.

Once again, the expanded Christmas on the Square will now get underway Thursday night with the lighting of the Christmas tree and the Jingle Bell Fun Run. Christmas movies will also be shown in Millennium Park with hot cocoa to go along with them that will help bring in the festive spirit.

And if that doesn’t work, the return of Snow on the Square on Friday will definitely help make it feel a little more like Christmas — and winter. Plus, the Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce and Coca-Cola have a special surprise in store for those attending Friday night’s activities as well, even before the fireworks display!

With the arts and crafts vendors already set up on Friday afternoon and evening, thousands will already flood into downtown Live Oak even before Saturday’s full day of activities.

Whether it is the arts and crafts vendors, the food, the live music or other entertainment planned for Christmas on the Square, we hope many of you will take part in the festivities. Don’t forget the lighted Christmas parade is Saturday evening.

The opportunity to experience and spread the joy and wonder of the Christmas season doesn’t end this weekend in downtown Live Oak, though.

The Suwannee Lights spectacular at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park already launched last weekend and will run throughout the month of December.

The Festival of Lights at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs begins this week and lasts through Christmas Eve. The town’s Christmas parade is also set for Friday and ends in the park.

Next weekend, Branford is hosting its Suwannee River Christmas Festival at the Greenway Park with the Keep Christ in Christmas Parade capping off its event Dec. 14.

Mayo is hosting its Christmas in Toyland festival and parade Dec. 14 as well.

Also scheduled for next Saturday is the Sweets n the Streets festival in Jasper, which will also include a parade.

The following Saturday is the Christmas at Heritage Park and Gardens event.

There are plenty of chances to get in the Christmas mood and the holiday spirit.

We hope you’ll take advantage and help spread the Christmas joy this holiday season.