Ho Ho Ho! The holiday season kicks off next weekend

OCEANA COUNTY — Check out the local holiday events schedule:

Friday, Nov. 28, 6:30 p.m. – Lighted Christmas Parade in downtown Hart. Enjoy music, bands, floats, horses and Santa Claus, just to name a few. Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Hart Commons with Santa and Christmas hay rides after the parade. The Hart Public Schools Band will have small group ensembles and solo performances after the parade at the Pink Elephant Diner. The event supports the band’s general operation budget.

Nov. 28 – Dec. 24: Decoration Contest. Hart area businesses and non-profit groups are decorating for the holidays. Vote for your favorite location.

Nov. 28 through Dec. 20, Fridays and Saturdays 4-7 p.m. – Christmas Open House at Hart Historic District. The Sack Rider Church and Randall School are decorated for the holidays. Stop by for coffee, donuts and cider. Randall School is decorated by local Girl Scout Troop #3557.

Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, Fridays at 7 p.m. – Evening shows at Ruthie’s Music Café, downtown Hart, $5 cover charge.

Nov. 29 through Dec. 20, Saturdays at noon- Visit Santa Claus at Hart Commons.

Saturday, Nov. 29 – Festival of Lights in Pentwater. Enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas, tree lighting, Santa’s arrival, Christmas decorating contests for businesses, merchant open houses, carolers, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Visit www.Pentwater.org for more info.

Saturday, Dec. 6, noon to 3 p.m. – Community Pre-Christmas Dinner at Walkerville Wesleyan Church, 144 Hamon St. Free event, reservations required by Nov. 30, call Lynn at 231-873-3459.

Sunday, Dec. 7, 4 p.m. – Oceana Singers Christmas Concert, Congregational Church, 51 E. 3rd St., Shelby.

Saturday, Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 21 at 4:30 p.m. – Starlight Concert at Shelby Road Baptist Church, 4000 W. Shelby Rd. The Shelby Congregational Bell Choir will also perform. A free will offering will be collected during the concert, and refreshments to follow concert.

Many local businesses are offering holiday specials and events. For more info, visit thinkdunes.com.