BELHAVEN — The sights and sounds of Christmas will fill the air in Belhaven this weekend, with the annual Christmas parade, craft making, gift shopping and opportunities to visit with Santa Claus.

The main event of the weekend, the Belhaven Christmas parade, kicks off at 11 a.m. Saturday.

Kids and kids at heart will have the opportunity to visit with Santa Claus on Friday and Saturday at his house on the corner of Pamlico and Main streets. The jolly old elf will make special appearances from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and until 3 p.m. Saturday, following the parade.

In addition to telling Mr. Claus what they would like under the tree this year, the boys and girls of Belhaven can also take the opportunity to express their creativity by making their very own snow globes, courtesy of the Belhaven Community Chamber of Commerce.

“People can come shop, go the parade, have a place to eat,” Belhaven Community Chamber of Commerce Director Diana Lambeth said. “It’s pretty good for a small town.”

For the kids who want to find something special for mom, dad and other loved ones, Santa’s elves will also be on hand at the Christmas village to help them shop for inexpensive gifts at a kids’ store. Adults interested in shopping this weekend will also find later-than-usual hours at a number of downtown businesses Friday, according to Lambert.

“A lot of our homes are also decorated, and we’ll be voting on the best decorated houses on Saturday night as well,” Lambeth said.

On Sunday, a special cantata entitled “Good News from Home — A Christmas Celebration,” rounds out the weekend’s events at Belhaven Missionary Baptist, located at the corner of Edward and Main streets. Bringing together voices from that church, Trinity United Methodist Church, First Christian Church, Sydney Free Will Baptist Church and Wilkinson Church of Christ, the ecumenical singing takes place at 4 p.m.

In addition to all these fun and festive events, the Toy Trains of Belhaven exhibit continues at the Old Town Hall building from 1 to 7 p.m. Friday, noon to 7 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. With more than 350 feet of train track, this massive display is a miniature wonderland of detailed beauty.

All of the weekend’s events are free and open to the public