The holiday season has official started and is in high gear here in Bainbridge!

The City of Bainbridge has an entire lineup of holiday activities to keep you busy this month.

First, Christmas on the River will be held at the Earle May Boat Basin on Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. There will be singing by local choirs, hay rides, marshmallow roasts, hot cocoa and the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree. There will even be a special appearance by Santa Claus!

Dec. 9 welcomes the Christmas Parade. Starting at 7 p.m., the parade will begin on Wheat Avenue and make its way to downtown Bainbridge. Be on the lookout for candy, lights and Santa, as he visits Bainbridge once again!

If you’ve got some last minute shopping to take care of, Downtown Bainbridge is the place to do it on Dec. 16 at Christmas on the Square. Stores will be open late for shopping and there will be marshmallow roasts, hot cocoa and signing by local youth.

Come out and enjoy the holidays at all of these great, free community events!

City offices will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 23, and Friday, Dec. 24, for the Christmas holidays.

Offices will also be closed on Friday, Dec. 31, for the New Year’s holiday. Residential trash pick-up will not be affected by the closings. Since Christmas generally means extra trash for families, the city will have Dumpsters set up at Public Safety on Shotwell Street and at the Public Works Department on Pierce Street for citizens to use for free from Dec. 23-27.

For more information on any of the city’s holiday activities, visit the city’s Web site, www.bainbridgecity.com, or visit the City of Bainbridge blog at www.bainbridgecity.blogspot.com. You can also find more information on Cable Channel 17 and on our Facebook page. Happy holidays, everyone!