The bulk of holiday activities will shift to Mathews this weekend, starting Friday afternoon when Santa Claus will be at the Mathews County Visitor and Information Center from 4-6 p.m.

MCVIC director Ann Miller said that instead of having a photographer this year, the center will provide a setting, but parents are encouraged to bring their own cameras to take their child’s photo with Santa Claus. However, she said the center will have a couple of cameras on hand if someone forgets to bring one.

After children pose with Santa, families can head across the street to the Community Christmas Tree Lighting on the Court Green. Along with the lighting of the tree, Miller said people will be able to enjoy hot cider and cookies. Alumni of the Mathews Baptist Church Youth Choir, under the direction of Robin Thompson, will be singing Christmas carols there, she added.

Also on Friday evening, Miller said Jean Howard will be playing guitar and singing Christmas music on the steps of MCVIC.

Saturday’s parade will start from Thomas Hunter Middle School at 1 p.m. and will continue to the Bank of America building. Miller said the decision was made to move up the parade’s start time this year to encourage more shopping and dining in and around Main Street. "We think it will be much better," she said.

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