A parade, homes tour, art walk and holiday shows at the Turnage Theater are making this Christmas season the merriest yet in downtown Washington.

Businesses are dressed in their yuletide finery and many are hosting holiday open house events and offering Christmas sales throughout December, according to Beth Byrd, Washington Harbor District Alliance director.

Highlights include the Washington Christmas parade Dec. 6 at 10 a.m., with a grand procession of floats, bands and fire trucks making its way along Main and Market streets.

The Turnage Theater is hosting a series of special concerts Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 14. The annual holiday homes tour benefiting the historic theater is planned for Dec. 6.

And rumor has it Santa himself will be making regular visits to downtown Washington during the holiday season, offering youngsters the opportunity to share their Christmas wish list and have their photo taken with the jolly old elf.

For more information, including a full schedule of events, visit www.whda.org.