Residents and visitors who want an early start on the holiday season should head to Senoia this weekend.

Merchants are staging an open house in downtown Senoia from 1-5 p.m. Sunday and one of the highlights of the events will be an appearance from the world-famous Clydesdale horses.

Sunday’s event is only a a taste of what the town has in store for the holidays this season.

"Light Up Senoia" kicks off the celebration December 1 with a festive parade through downtown. The annual holiday event features decorated floats, live music and entertainment by local schools and civic groups. The Car Guys, Charlie Filkins and Scott Sargeant, of "High Octane Radio" 92.5 "The Bear", will emcee the event.

For the kids, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, along with pony rides and the lighting of the big tree at Main Street Square. Parents may bring their cameras to take a photo of their child with Santa. This year, children will be able to purchase gifts on their own at the "Secret Santa Workshop." For hungry spectators, the food court offers Chick-fil-A, pizza, funnel cakes and other homemade goodies, opens at 4 p.m. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m.

On December 9 from 5-8 p.m., the Candlelight Tour of Homes will take you through five historic Senoia homes beautifully decorated for Christmas, along with the inspiring circa-1911 Church of God of Prophecy, where the tour begins. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 the day of the tour, and are available in downtown Senoia at Gail's Antiques, Senoia Coffee Company, The Culpepper House, The Veranda, and Second Hand Sam's. They can also be purchased the evening of the event at the church, at the corner of Main Street and Johnson Street.

Both holiday events are sponsored by the city of Senoia and the Senoia Downtown Development Authority. If you would like to participate in the "Light Up Senoia" parade, you may go to the city website at www.senoia.com and print off a parade entry form. Civic organizations, church groups, music or dance groups and businesses are welcome to add their creative spirit to the parade festivities. Contact Suzanne Helfman at 770-599-8182 or Gail Downs at 770-599-9155 for information and entry forms.

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