Mineola will kick off the Christmas holidays with a weekend full of events Dec. 1-3.

In continuing the city’s sesquicentennial celebration, the city will host a snow hill and snow playing area on W. Commerce St. Friday, Dec. 1 from 5-9 p.m. There will be a community tree lighting at the gazebo.

The Mineola Chamber of Commerce hosts its traditional lighted Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec. 2 kicking off at 5:30 p.m. on E. Broad St. at Graham.

This year’s theme is “Miracle on Broad St.” Parade entry deadline is Nov. 29, and forms can be found on the chamber’s website.

After Santa and Mrs. Claus make their way along the parade route, he will stop at the downtown gazebo to greet the children.

There will also be a window decorating contest and special sales by downtown merchants.

The holiday mini-train at Iron Horse Square Park starts its three-week run on the 2nd from 4-7 p.m. and continues Dec. 9 and 16, weather permitting.

The Mineola Landmark Commission hosts its annual tour of homes on Sunday the 3rd from 1-5 p.m.

Tickets are $15 and available at any home on the tour the day of the event or in advance from Landmark Commission members or at city hall.

Locations include the Henry home at 411 E. Kilpatrick, the Baker home at 615 N. Johnson and the Smith home at 1137 Kings Lane #100.

Watch for more information about the homes.

The Historic Select Theater in Mineola will host a Celtic Christmas event Dec. 2. Activities begin at 2 p.m. and will resume after the parade at 7 p.m.

Tickets for performances at the theater are $12, and the rest of the events are free, including street vendors and a snowball arena for kids.

Performers include bagpipes, dancers, drums and more.

The Mineola League of the Arts will hold its annual holiday bazaar Dec. 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with baked goods and a wide variety of handmade items at 200 W. Blair.