Flurry of Mineola holiday activities

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Christmastime is magical in Mineola. Lights are twinkling and shop windows are decorated to prepare for the happiest time of year.

Mineola has activities and events to keep you in the holiday spirit all month long.

Get a jump start on shopping at the Mineola League of the Arts Annual Christmas Bazaar and Christmas Wreath Silent Auction on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6-7, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Guild members will be selling handmade and beautifully created gifts for everyone on your list.

The Winter Craft Market at the Civic Center will be open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, with gifts and holiday decor.

The Select Theater will be presenting a Southern-fried yuletide comedy, “Christmas Belles,” on Dec. 6-8. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinee begins at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for students.

Saturday morning, Dec. 7, starts bright and early with breakfast with Santa. Cub Scout Pack 385 will be serving pancakes, sausage and drinks at First United Methodist Church Education Building on McDonald St. from 8-10 a.m. Cost is $10 for adults, $8 for children, and ages three and under eat for free. Free pictures with Santa will be from 8-9 a.m.

Mineola Main Street will be offering free carriage rides around the historic Main Street district on Saturday from 1-4 p.m. While you wait for your ride, enjoy Christmas carols and shopping downtown.

The Iron Horse Square will have free rides on the Christmas Express Train from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, 14 and 21.

The Mineola Christmas Parade will begin at 5:30 on Saturday, Dec. 7. This year’s theme is “A Charles Dickens Christmas.” The Candy Cane Award of $200 will go to the best themed float, and the $100 Snowflake award will be judges choice.

After the parade, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the gazebo for free pictures.

On Sunday, Dec. 8, from 1-4 p.m., the Mineola Landmark Commission will host the annual Christmas Tour of Homes. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce office, City Hall, or from any Landmark Commission member. Three historic homes on North Johnson Street will be decorated and featured for the tour. There will be door prizes and refreshments will be served.

Santa will visit the Little Red House at the Mineola Historical Museum on Dec. 14 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Bring the little ones to whisper their Christmas wishes in Santa’s ear and get a picture with the Jolly Ole Man.

The Lake Country Symphonic Band will present “The Holly & The Ivy” at the Lake Country Playhouse on Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. and on Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults, and $5 for ages 11 and under.