Holly Dickens Festival: lighted parade opens three holiday weekends, Nov. 27

HOLLY. The 53rd annual Holly Dickens Festival opens with a lighted parade Friday, Nov. 27, at 6 p.m., followed by the town's Christmas tree lighting. The festival itself runs three weekends after that: Nov. 28 and 29, Dec. 5 and 6, and Dec. 12 and 13, Saturdays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

Costumed Victorian characters, carolers and horse drawn carriage rides fill downtown Holly's Battle Alley, along with visits with Santa Claus and roasted chestnuts. A Victorian Tea & Tidings sits Dec. 5 and Dec. 12 at the Victorian Tea Cup near Civic Drive and Saginaw Street, $15 a ticket.