With Christmas on the horizon, it's time to prepare for a fun filled month of activities.

In Cañon City, the Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Christmas Parade of Lights at 6 p.m. Dec. 4 in downtown Cañon City.

This year's theme is “Bright Lights and Christmas Lights” for the Parade of Lights, featuring floats, bands, pets, children and much more.

During the event, vendors will be set up at the intersections of Sixth, Seventh and Eighth streets along the parade route, offering hot chocolate, hot apple cider and a numerous food selections. Of course, Santa will ride in his sleigh, signifying the start of the Christmas season in Cañon City.

In conjunction, the Cañon City Public Library in conjuction with Cañon City Chamber of Commerce will host Saturdays with Santa for all ages from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, 11 and 18 at 516 Macon Ave . Activities include Story Time and pictures. This is a free event. The public is welcome to bring their children and a camera/cell phone to take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus in its beautiful Carnegie Library, according to a press release.

In the meantime in Florence, the historic Rialto Theater will host a community sing-a-long and entertainment from 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 at 209 W. Main St. in Florence. Hosted by Terry Waggener, of Waggener Brake and Auto Repair, admission is free. Organizers encourages patrons to consider making a donation to the theater or bringing nonperishable food items for a local food bank.

Another treat in store is Fremont Civic Theatre's 2021 Children's Holiday performances. This year, the cast will present “Velveteen Rabbit,” “Sarah Finds Christmas” and “The Sole of Christmas” from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, 7:10-9:10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11 and from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12 at 209 W. Main St. in Florence.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students/seniors. Children 5 and under are free. Tickets are available at City Market and Absolute Accounting in Cañon City, and Big D's in Florence.

This month, the Rialto Theater also will present Salida Circus from 2-5 p.m. and from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18. Come one; come all. It's sure to get everyone in the mood for Christmas.

Tickets are $15 per person and are available at City Market, Big D's Superfoods, and at the box office.