This article was published in the Lenoir News-Topic.

Feel like doing something Christmas-y this weekend?

You’re in luck. There’s enough going on in the county to keep you running for most of Friday and Saturday, including parades in four towns.

Here are some highlights of the goings-on:6:30 p.m. Friday: Lenoir Christmas Parade

The parade in downtown Lenoir will feature floats, displays, high-school bands, the Winston-Salem State University band, vintage cars, Ronald McDonald and more, according to the city’s website. It is the only one of this weekend’s parades held after dark.

10 a.m. Saturday: Sawmills Christmas Parade

The Sawmills Christmas Parade will start at Helena Street and progress to Pregis Corporation on U.S. 321-A. In addition to seeing the 50 or so groups currently registered to participate, attendees will get to see the town’s new garbage truck in action, Town Administrator Seth Eckard said. To ride in the parade, pick up applications at Sawmills Town Hall on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or register Saturday morning. Registration is free.

Noon Saturday: Granite Falls Christmas Parade

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Granite Falls, the Granite Falls Christmas Parade will start at First Baptist Church at 14 Crestview St. The theme of the parade, “A Welcome Home Christmas,” aims to honor military veterans, parade coordinator Jeff Prince said.

2 p.m. Saturday: Hudson Christmas Parade

Sponsored by the Hudson Community Development Association since 1960, this year’s Hudson Christmas Parade will run from Hudson Middle School to the First Baptist Church of Hudson. Most parade entries are free (with the exception of horses and entries advertising a business), and prizes are awarded to the top three entries. Town Manager Rebecca Bentley recommends taking a walk during the parade to see the town’s 20 decorated Christmas trees, which line downtown Hudson and were judged and awarded prizes this week.

Not in the mood for a parade?

Satie’s Holiday Sale Grand Opening, 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Caldwell Arts Council

Christmas Bazaar, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at American Legion Post 29 on 401 Main St. NW in Lenoir

Holiday Tour of Homes, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday (benefits Robin’s Nest – $25 per ticket, contact Sherry Ford at 828-754-3213)

Santa Fly In, Foothills Regional Airport, noon to 5 p.m. (Santa lands at 1:30 p.m.)

Lenoir Downtown Cruisers’ Christmas Cruise-In, 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday in downtown Lenoir (toys brought to the event will be distributed to needy children)

A Taste of Christmas, 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Irish Rose Bed & Breakfast in Lenoir (benefits Caldwell Arts Council – $25 per ticket, contact the Arts Council at 828-754-2486)