A community Christmas celebration begins Saturday, Dec. 15, in Zachary at 3:45 p.m.

The Zachary Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Christmas Parade, which is scheduled to roll at 3:45 p.m. along Main Street.

This year’s theme is “Famous Families in Fact and Fiction."

Following the parade, the City of Zachary will host its annual Christmas Open House and the official lighting of the tree ceremony.

Over 19 businesses and churches will offer complimentary items from booths set up in the City Hall parking lot, and a variety of free refreshments will be served by city government departments.

Several activities have been planned in the downtown area including popcorn and a FREE showing of the movie It’s a Wonderful Life at the museum. This holiday movie favorite will follow the parade on the lawn at the Bowman House.

For a glimpse of Christmas past, the Allison and McHugh Houses, as well as the Old Town Hall, will be fully decorated and offering guided tours.

Drop by the Zachary Police Department/Zachary City Court where they will be serving pastalaya, cake squares and punch.

Holiday arts and musical entertainment will be held at the pavilion located at the Southeast corner of Florida and Virginia Streets beginning at 6:05 p.m. and lasting until 8 p.m.

The line-up includes Unique Dance Organization, Music by Tess Ricketts, Children’s Moving Company, Zachary Early Learning Center Pre-K coloring presentation and music by Jan Linton followed by music by Bethany Godbold.

Finally, don’t miss Santa Claus who will be making his annual appearance at the Zachary Fire Department, where they will also be serving jambalaya.

If you are interested in photos with Santa, please be sure to bring your camera!