This weekend will be a busy one in both counties as it is the weekend that officially kicks off the Christmas holiday season. 

Gloucester’s annual Christmas and Holiday Parade is scheduled to step off at 3 p.m. Saturday along Main Street. Following the parade, visitors are encouraged to head over to the colonial court circle for the Main Street Tree Lighting Ceremony, which will begin at 5 o’clock.

There, participants will be treated to a concert by the Abingdon and Botetourt Elementary Schools Combined Chorus. Also, Gloucester Main Street businesses will be open through the afternoon for shopping.

Earlier in the day, children will have a chance to spend some one-on-one time with Santa Claus, as he is scheduled to visit Phillips Energy at Hayes from 10 a.m. until noon. The visit is free to attend and participants will enjoy cookies, cocoa and photos with Santa. Pictures of children with Santa may be purchased. Participants are asked to RSVP by e-mailing nwood@peifue...