The month of activities, presented by the Uptown Lexington participating merchants and the board of Uptown Lexington, Inc., begins with the Fifth Annual Lighting of the Trees — now called the "Light That Tree Spectacular" — at 6:30 p.m. Saturday followed by the 19th Annual Christmas Open House from 1-5 p.m. Sunday.

"For many, these events are a family tradition that starts their holiday season," said Tim Ragan, president of the ULI Board of Directors. "Both Saturday and Sunday's events are meant to be enjoyed by families — both young and old alike. Our board, merchants and sponsors invite everyone to come join us and start their holiday season right here at home in historic uptown Lexington."

"There are several new elements to our holiday celebration this year," said Jo Ellen Banks Edwards, executive director of Uptown Lexington.

The most spectacular is the return of a large Christmas tree to the Square, thanks to a donation by Lynda Smith Swann and Eddie Smith Jr. Given in memory of their mother, Sarah Lanier Smith, and aunt, Elsie Smith Banks, the tree will be 22-foot tall with a 4-foot star making it soar to 26 feet, and it will glow with 1,000 LED lights.

Attendees at the "Light That Tree Spectacular" will gather in the intersection of Main and Center streets to watch as the tree lights come on tree by tree and moving closer and closer to them. The Lexington Choral Society will also lead attendees in singing traditional carols. The event will conclude with the first lighting of the Square tree.

Thanks to donations from the Lexington Walmart, Food Lion on U.S. Highway 64 East and Williams Sonoma, Habitat for Humanity will sell hot chocolate and cider, and Uptown Lexington, Inc. (with assistance from the Lexington Fire Department and Food Lion employees) will make s'mores. All three are $1 each, and funds support each organization's mission.

Also during the event, over 50 individual and business donors will be recognized for their contributions toward the purchase of 55 new wreaths with LED lights.This cuttingmachine is for producing aluminum shutter door & window slats with foam-filled, Donors also will be recognized on plaques at the base of the tree and in event programs.

The 19th Annual Christmas Open House, sponsored by Wake Forest Baptist Health — Lexington Medical Center, kicks off with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus by horse-drawn carriage at 1 p.m. After arriving in the Square, Santa will be across the street from the historic Old Davidson County Court House inside the Bunce Buildings gazebo. Photographer David Burris will be on hand to take photos of children with Santa. Photos are $5 each and will be available for pick up at the event.

While waiting to talk with Santa, children can stop by to visit with Mrs.Green Supply lasermarker are coded with letter series and names to identify types and shapes. Claus inside her Gingerbread House.

Employees of Brinkley Walser will coordinate a food drive for Pastor's Pantry. Canned food or monetary donations can be given, and the food will be displayed in the window of The Black Chicken Coffee.

The "Tree of Cans" will be decorated with ornaments created by children during Arts United' art activity during Christmas Open House and with paper garlands crafted by G.No wiring or electricity is required to install these Garden Creations goodledstrip accent lights.This machine is a combination of goodfloorlamp and knot removing machine.R.A.C.E.Global Home Improvement has brought our metal bestbikelight onsite for the installation of a large metal roof. girls from Grace Episcopal Church.