The town of Blowing Rock will kick off the Christmas season on Friday and Saturday with its annual celebration and parade.

The Friday festivities, held at Memorial Park, include a meeting with Santa from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the gazebo, hay rides from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and airwalks from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Friday’s celebration also will include caroling in the park with the “Vagabonds” from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and a bluegrass Christmas with Diana & Sarvis Ridge from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The official “lighting of the town” is set for 5:30 p.m. Friday.

Stay warm with free cider and hot chocolate from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the park.

The celebration continues with the annual Christmas Parade on Main Street starting at 2 p.m. Saturday.

For more information, contact Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation at (828) 295-5222.

The Boone Christmas Parade is set for 11 a.m. Dec. 1 on King Street.