We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Now that it's over, Christmas is topping the priority list. Our annual Holly Days and Live Nativity is scheduled for Friday on the courthouse square from 5 to 7 p.m. This event will kick off the holiday season and is a fun family event that is largely due to the generosity of our sponsors.

Santa will be arriving courtesy of Little U Academy. Take a carriage ride around the square on this night and every Saturday until Christmas courtesy of Grieger's Motor Sales, NIPSCO and Town and Country Market. Remember to visit your favorite stores for some holiday shopping.

This annual event will bring fun, food and fashion to a new level to one downtown store. Seasons on the Square will be hosting a live window showcase of style during the Holly Days and Live Nativity event. You can view the live window models from the street in the contemporary women's boutique located at 1 Lincolnway, at the corner of Lincolnway and Washington Street. They will also feature live musical entertainment by Lisa Gooch, a jazz vocal and keyboard artist, from 5 to 8 p.m. You can also support local food pantries and bring in non-perishable items to receive $10 off a purchase (some restrictions apply).

Don't forget to get your tickets for Spider Saloff's holiday concert. She will be performing on Dec. 18 at the Memorial Opera House. She will be performing her Cool Yule concert and will be joined by pianist Jeremy Kahn (Wicked, The Lion King) and bassist Jim Cox (Michael Feinstein, Rosemary Clooney) for a jazzy holiday evening. The energetic concert will include beloved Christmas classics as well as a few rare gems, presented with Saloff's own sensuous vocal style and unique brand of humor. This will prove to be an evening not to be missed.

Tickets for this performance are on sale now through the Memorial Opera House Box Office, www.mohlive.com or by calling 548-9137. Tickets are $20.

We hope you enjoy the holiday season and celebrate it in downtown Valparaiso.

Tina St. Aubin is the City of Valparaiso director of special events. The opinions expressed solely are those of the writer. She can be reached at (2190 464-8332. The opinions expressed solely are those of the writer.