You will be able to get an early start on your Christmas shopping this Friday and Saturday as the first Pinecone and Mistletoe Christmas Market is held at the Windham Civic Center in Center. The two-day holiday extravaganza is sponsored by The William Carroll Crawford Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. Vendors from all over East Texas are expected for a gigantic Christmas sales event. There will be shopping fun for the whole family. Bling, ornaments, arts, crafts, food, door prizes and surprises are expected. Times for the event are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

The annual Center downtown night time lighted Christmas parade is set for 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1. The theme for this year’s parade is Enchanted Christmas Forest. The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade Committee says there will be fun and excitement for everyone. The parade will feature a special Grand Marshal, holiday floats, marching bands and of course Santa Claus. For more information, contact the chamber office at 936-598-3682.