Christmas events underway in county

Christmas is in the air. Holiday events and activities are underway throughout Cherokee County. Rusk opened the holiday season Tuesday with the annual Christmas parade and lighting ceremony. The Kiwanis Club pancake supper followed.

The annual Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce Christmas parade is Thursday. The event will begin at 6 p.m. Theme is "Candy Land Christmas."

Christmas Dream Tree gifts will be distributed and a special activity for "A Day with Santa" will be from 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 15 at the Jim Hogg City Park.

Other Christmas activities include open house at Austin Bank, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7; open house, Bob Francis Ford, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 7; "Polar Express, Texas State Railroad Palestine, Dec. 7-9; First United Methodist Church cantata, lunch and pie auction, 11 a.m. Dec. 9; Jacksonville Tour of Homes, 1-5 p.m. Dec. 9; Christmas musical, "Celebrate the Light" featuring the sanctuary choir, Singers of Salvation, Pure Heart Ladies Ensemble and the church orchestra, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at First Baptist Church; Texas National Bank, after hours, 5 p.m. Dec. 10; Alto Christmas parade, 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10, theme "A Family Christmas;" Christmas Open House with Santa at Greg James Country Motors, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 11 with door prizes and refreshments.

Also, Rusk High School band concert, 7 p.m. Dec. 13 in high school auditorium; open house, Texas National Bank Rusk, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 14; "The Nativity Story," Christ the Redeemer Church, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 14; Rusk High School drama production of "Harvey" 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14-15, high school auditorium; Polar Express, Texas State Railroad Palestine, Dec. 14-23.

Also, First Baptist Church children's choir musical, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16; "Born for Such a Time as This" at River of Life Christian Center, 6 p.m. Dec. 16 and 7 p.m. Dec. 17; Rusk Junior High band concert, 7 p.m. Dec. 18.

Also, First Presbyterian Christmas Eve Communion, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 24; First United Methodist Christmas Eve Holy Communion, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 24; Christmas Eve service, First Baptist Church, 6 p.m. Dec. 24.