December is right around the corner, and with it comes Christmas festivities.

Most municipalities in the area have parades or tree-lighting ceremonies to usher in Christmas, and this year promises no shortage of events.

The biggest Christmas parade in the area will march down the streets of Gardendale. This year’s parade is Dec. 5 at 6 p.m.

The theme is “Christmas Around the World” and will focus on adoption.

There are two grand marshalls, which are local families that have adopted children. The Hacker family will represent domestic adoption and the Moody family will represent international adoption.

Businesses or for-profit organizations that are not members of the Greater Gardendale Chamber of Commerce must pay an entry fee of $50. There is no fee for other entries.

The chamber of commerce must receive all fees by Dec. 3. Mail them to P.O. Box 26, Gardendale, AL, 35071.

For more information, visit www.gardendalechamber.com.

There are plenty more holiday events in north Jefferson County:

• Pinson will hold its annual tree-lighting ceremony on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. at Triangle Park. The annual Christmas parade through downtown is Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. Call 680-5556 for more information.

• Fultondale will host its annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony Dec. 3, 6 p.m., at the city park behind city hall. Following the ceremony, the public is invited to the BSDA square dance hall for refreshments and a visit with Santa Claus.

• The Morris Christmas parade is Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. with the theme “A Public Safety Christmas,” honoring firefighters and police officers. There is a $10 entry fee. Following the parade is a festival at the town park across from Morris Town Hall. Booth space for the festival is available for $10. Get an application at town hall or call 647-0596 for more information.  

• Warrior will hold its Christmas parade Dec. 12, 6 p.m. on Main Street. There is no fee to enter, but call Warrior City Hall at 647-0520 to reserve a spot.

• Trafford’s annual parade is Dec. 14 at 1 p.m., and takes the same route as last year. There is no entry fee. Participants are asked to line up at Trafford Municipal Park prior to the parade. For more information, call Pam Samuels at 647-0778.

• Kimberly’s parade is Dec. 14, with lineup starting at 5 p.m. at Bryan Elementary School. The parade ends at Memorial Park on U.S. Hwy. 31, where a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. There is no fee to enter the parade. Call Kimberly City Hall at 647-5551 for more information.