Grab your hats, coats and gloves and head to downtown Middlesboro on Dec. 2, because the Middlesboro Christmas Parade Committee has a lot in store for the community as they proudly host this year’s holiday event: A Magic City Christmas.

The committee, made up of creative citizens who are passionate about Middlesboro’s history and growth as a community, has been working tirelessly around the clock since January in preparation for this year’s Christmas parade. The parade is honored to host special guests Bill Landry of The Heartland Series, Molly Matney — Miss Kentucky 2017, and of course, Santa Claus himself.

In addition to these exciting guests, you can expect to see and take pictures with some of your favorite Disney characters, Mickey and Minnie.

From 2:30-4:30 p.m. folks can gather in Fountain Square to watch ice sculptor Matthew Stoddart. Watch before your very eyes as the sculptor uses a chainsaw to carve two incredible holiday pieces out of giant blocks of ice. The parade, full of floats, dance teams, marching bands and everyone’s favorite tiny cars driven by the Shriners of Lexington, will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Stick around downtown to support vendors from all over the region.

Shop local, visit the crafting booths, make an ornament with your child (ages 0-12), be amazed by talented magician Brandon Spade, and stop by the food trucks to grab something delicious before the Christmas Tree Lighting on Fountain Square at 5 p.m. Be sure to save some room for popcorn and hot chocolate because the fun will just be getting started, organizers say.

After enjoying Christmas carols and the lighting of the Christmas tree, join the community at the Levitt Lot at 6:30 p.m. for a viewing of the movie The Polar Express. Bring your chairs, blankets, your family and friends, and snuggle up with some tasty hot chocolate for an evening that will top off the day’s events and memories that will last a lifetime.

With help from the community, the City of Middlesboro, caring sponsors and zealous volunteers, the Middlesboro Christmas Parade Committee is excited to host an event that citizens of the Tri-State area will enjoy and be proud of for years to come.

Sponsors include PJ’s Crater Coffee, The Palace, Crater City Boutique, Lincoln Memorial University, Jay Shoffner, Realty Group II – Dawn Risner and Creech Funeral Home.

Mark your calendars and lineup downtown between 15th Street and 21st Street on Dec. 2 and don’t forget about all the exciting events on Fountain Square. You won’t want to miss A Magic City Christmas!