This weekend is one of the busiest this holiday season, judging by the number of community events marking the calendar Friday through Sunday. Weekend festivities include a parade, multiple open houses, plenty of opportunities to have photos taken with Santa Claus and more.

Weekend events will kick off Friday in Mathews, as the Mathews County Visitor and Information Center, along with the Mathews Chamber of Commerce, will be sponsoring a "Visit with Santa Claus."

Children can meet with Santa from 6-8 p.m. at McVIC and have a picture taken with him. Parents can stop by the center at a later time to pick up the free pictures. Light refreshments will be served and carolers will add to the seasonal fun.

Following photos with Santa Claus, McVIC will be hosting "A Christmas Carol" from 7-8 p.m. on the court green near the historic courthouse. The Virginia Theatre Machine will perform.

On Saturday, the attention shifts over to Gloucester as it will host its Citizen’s Christmas and Holiday Parade beginning at 2 p.m. from Botetourt Elementary School. Toys for the local Toys for Tots campaign will be collected along the route by LocalCycleEvents.com. Visitors will have an opportunity to check out the Gloucester Holiday Parade show Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the court green. This show is sponsored by the Daffodil Festival Committee.

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