Carol of Lights set this weekend

On Friday, Lampasans will kick off the holiday season with the annual Carol of Lights festival, which will feature Santa Claus, dancing, music and carolers at Courtyard Square and other venues in the downtown area.

Carols on the bandstand and a ceremony of lights also will be offered.

Food booths will be provided by local non-profit organizations, and shoppers are invited to visit downtown merchants for sales and special holiday events.

The Lampasas Middle School choir will lead Christmas music at 8 p.m.

Keystone Square Museum's Christmas tree exhibit entitled "Americana Christmas" will be open, and a bake sale will be featured, along with entries from the annual gingerbread house display and contest.

The museum's Christmas tree and gingerbread house displays also will be open Saturday.

A historic downtown walking tour will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., beginning at the historic Stage Stop, 511 Western St. Maps and refreshments will be provided.

A number of downtown buildings will have their top floors open for visitors. The spaces are in various stages of renovation and/or construction and will showcase downtown living.

The annual Christmas Tour of Homes is Sunday from 1-5 p.m. It offers the opportunity to visit five local residences.

Admission is $6 if tickets are purchased in advance at the museum, 303 S. Western St. On the day of the tour, tickets will be $7.

Visitors also can stop by W.M. Brook Park to view the annual Sulphur Creek light display.

The annual Community Christmas Cantata is set at First United Methodist Church on Sunday at 5 p.m.