Wickford's Festival of Lights Kicks off Thursday

The Festival of Lights in Wickford begins Thursday night with the annual town tree lighting ceremony and visit from Santa at Updike Park.

The fun begins at 6 p.m. along with music from the Lafayette Band and the North Kingstown Community Youth Orchestra.

Sponsored by the North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce, the festival runs through the weekend with more entertainment and opportunities to take part in holiday cheer than you can shake a candy cane at.

On Friday, Santa arrives by boat at the Town Dock on Brown Street at 5:30 p.m.

From 6 to 8 p.m., Santa will lead hayrides around the village ($3 per person) beginning in the parking lot by the Town Dock.

From 6:30 to 7:16 p.m., the North Kingstown Community Chorus will choral in the park and they’ll be followed by The Lafayette Band, who will perform their highly-anticipated Holiday Concert at First Baptist Church on Main Street.

On Saturday, from 8 to 10 a.m. Santa will sit down for breakfast at the Carriage Inn and Saloon. Visit www.northkingstown.com for details.

At 11:45 a.m., the Elf Parade forms at The Wickford Collection and ends at the Town Dock.

From 12 to 4 p.m., Enjoy Christmas at the Castle at Smith’s Castle. Visit www.smithscastle.com for details.

At 12:30 p.m., the ever-busy Santa once again arrives by boat at the Town Dock for another round of hayrides and fun.

At 7 p.m., North Kingstown High School is the place to be for music by the North Kingstown Community Chorus and Youth Chorus, whill will present a winter concert.

On Sunday, Christmas at the Castle will be offered from 12 to 4 p.m., Santa arrives at the dock at 12:30 p.m., the hayrides continue and from 1 to 3 p.m., “The Jesse Liam Duo” will be performing holiday favorites in Library Park on Brown Street while U.S. Marines will be collecting donations for Toys for Tots.

At 3 p.m., the North Kingstown Community Chorus and Youth Chorus will present a second winter concert at North Kingstown High School and from 3:15 to 4 p.m., The Ladies of the Rolling Pin will perform in Updike Park.