Break out the Christmas music, candy canes and Santa hats because a slate of Yuletide events are planned across the county this weekend for holiday revelers.

Hanceville will kick things off today at 2 p.m. when the 23rd Annual Cullman County Christmas Parade marches down U.S. 31. The parade route will begin near College Street at Hardees and end at Hanceville City Hall.

County high school bands, horses and Santa and Mrs. Claus riding in the city’s restored fire engine will be among the floats. Santa Claus and Mrs. Clause will be on hand at city hall to hear children’s Christmas wishes and takes pictures after the parade.

Meanwhile, the Christmas Arts and Crafts Show will be underway from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Cullman Civic Center for those searching for creative holiday gifts.

Holly Pond will be hosting its own Christmas parade at 3:30 p.m., starting at the Lions Club Park and ending in the Holly Pond School parking lot.

The Holly Pond Civitan Club will also hold an official lighting of cards at Governor’s Park at 5 p.m. followed by singing, free refreshments and a bounce house for the kids. Santa Claus is also expected to make an appearance. Luminaries will be available for purchase to honor or in memory of a loved one.

In nearby Baileyton, the town will host its annual “Christmas in Baileyton” event at the Baileyton Senior Center from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be free food, candy bags and drinks. Santa Claus will arrive about 5 p.m., and each child will receive a free picture with him.

On Sunday, the Seventh Street Baptist Church in Cullman will present “Mary, Did You Know?” at 10:30 a.m. free of charge. Then at 2 p.m., the Wallace State Jazz Band will perform a Christmas concert at in the Burrow Center Recital Hall.

Tiffeny Owens can be reached by email at towens@cullmantimes.com or by phone at 256-734-2131.