A Day with Santa in Kennesaw

Here's everything you need to know about this Saturday, Dec. 3, in downtown Kennesaw.

A Parade Downtown

The is kicking off the holiday season this Saturday, Dec. 3, with a downtown celebration. The city will host a 1 p.m. parade in the downtown area featuring local marching bands, costumed characters, designer floats and Santa Claus. The parade route begins near the intersection of Park Drive and Main Street, proceeds down Main Street, then marches past Cherokee Street toward Sardis Street.

for photos from last year's parade.

Post-Parade Fun

Following the parade, there will be a number of activities in the downtown area—a petting zoo, pony rides, live reindeer, puppet shows, inflatables, pictures with Santa and stage entertainment. For $2, the kids can also romp around in a playground made of eight tons of snow.

A Civil War Christmas

Also on Saturday, the is celebrating A Civil War Christmas from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The afternoon will feature period music and dancing in the Cobb Energy Hall Gallery. The museum is also commemorating its 10th anniversary as a Smithsonian Affiliate with cake and punch.

Faith Cline Elf Trot and Merry Mile

The second annual Faith Cline Elf Trot and Merry Mile will take place this Saturday at 4:30 p.m. —a local teen who died of a brain tumor in August 2010. There will be a 5k race as well as a 1-mile fun run and a Tot Trot for younger kids. Proceeds of the twilight walk, run and stroll will benefit the Faith Cline Memorial Fund of the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children.

for more information.

Tree Lighting Ceremony

The day's festivities will come to a close at the Depot across from the for a Christmas tree lighting program at 5:30 p.m. Students from second grade chorus will be on hand to sing carols and spread holiday cheer.

Parking and Street Closures

The suggests parking in the lot at Check here for a complete .