On Friday, November 20, Orangeville's Official Town Crier, Betty Kading, will proclaim the start of the holiday season and the kick off to the gift shopping season.

Mayor Rob Adams, MP David Tilson, MPP Sylvia Jones and Santa Claus (of course) will host the lighting of the Town's Christmas tree in front of the Town Hall Opera House, as part of Orangeville's Annual Moonlight Magic Celebration.

The lampposts have been adorned in holiday splendour, medians lit with festive colours compliments of the Orangeville Optimists Club and store windows are awash in sparkling lights, ribbons and holly. Shopkeepers and merchants have stocked their shelves with unique gifts, gadgets, clothing, artwork and all the must-have items that would make any gift recipient thrilled and fulfil your holiday shopping needs.

There will also be special holiday performances in the streets by the Academy of Performing Arts and Shining Star winner Rebecca Reeves.

The festive atmosphere will start at 7 p.m. with the official lighting of the Christmas tree in front of Town Hall with a community countdown. Santa will traditionally present the "first gift of Christmas" to one lucky boy and girl from the audience. Afterwards, youngsters are encouraged to stop by for a visit with Santa and/or drop their Christmas letters into his mailbox on Broadway.

In a nod to holiday traditions of yesteryear, you can take part in a horse and wagon ride as it parades through the downtown (departing from Alexandra Park) and treat yourself to roasted marshmallows ... warm your hands at the open fire pits that will line the streets, and stop for some hot chocolate and holiday cheer all through the streets — a perfect way to enjoy all the sights and sounds of the evening.

At about 7:30 the Farmer's Parade of Lights will take to the streets in tribute to our rural heritage.

This night-time spectacle has become an annual tradition and is a sight to behold with everything from tractors, balers, combines, grain augers, gators, skid steels and hay wagons adorned in holiday lights and decorations all brought to you by the High County Antique Power Club.

At 8 p.m., in front of the town hall Christmas tree, Theatre Orangeville's David Nairn will deliver a special holiday reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and receive a special treat.

You can drop into the Opera House for free gift wrapping, face painting or paint your own Christmas ornament for home or for the Town tree from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Don't forget to bring nonperishable food items for the Orangeville Hydro food drive at the entrance to Town Hall where Orangeville Hydro will be outside promoting their Christmas light bulb exchange to replace old 5- and 7-watt bulbs with energy-saving LED's. Discount coupons for additional LED lights will be given to those donating food items and are based on number of items.

Merchants are staying open until 10 on this special evening, so there'll be time to visit them all and take advantage of special activities, holiday products and special pricing which will be announced over loudspeakers throughout the evening. So be sure to visit Downtown to Discover Broadway and take advantage of the deals.

Those wishing to make a full night of it can enjoy a sumptuous meal at one of the award-winning restaurants, or drop by one of the cafes and warm up with a mug of specialty coffee or tea, or perhaps just a little holiday snack to end the evening on a sweet note.

Schedule of Events 6:45 p.m. - Holiday songs by Shining Star Winner Rebecca Reeves 6:30, 8:15 and 8:45 p.m. - holiday performance by the Academy of Performing Arts, across from Town Hall 7:00 p.m. - Orangeville's Official Town Crier, Betty Kading, announces the start of the holiday season and the official lighting of the Town Christmas Tree takes place with Mayor Rob Adams, MP David Tilson, MPP Sylvia Jones & Santa Claus 7:00 p.m. - Santa presents the first gift of Christmas to one randomly selected boy and girl at Tree Lighting 7:30 p.m. (approximate)- Tractor Parade of Lights on Broadway 7:30-10 p.m. - Visit with Santa on Broadway 7:30 p.m. - Free caricature drawings across in Town Hall 7 - 9 p.m. - Free gift wrapping inside Town Hall Atrium for all purchases made Downtown during Moonlight Magic 7 - 9 p.m. - Free face painting inside Town Hall Opera House 7 - 9 p.m. - Orangeville Hydro Food Drive and Bulb Exchange outside Town Hall Atrium 7:30-10 p.m. - Free horse drawn wagon rides departing from Second Street 7:30-10 p.m. - Free Hot Chocolate outside Meridian Credit Union 8 p.m. - 'Twas the Night Before Christmas - a reading by Theatre Orangeville's David Nairn - Town Hall Christmas Tree

More info - www. discoverbroadway. ca