Just as we try recover to from the Thanksgiving turkey onslaught this week, the year’s Christmas holiday celebration will kick off on Saturday, Nov. 24. That’s the date for the Christmas Crafts Faire, Parade and Community Tree Lighting Ceremony, in what will be its 50th incarnation. And something special will be added as well.

The crafts event begins at noon and continues into the evening on Saturday, Nov. 24. The faire, featuring local handmade items, is usually on Third Street, in front of City Hall North.

The lighted parade down Santa Fe Street starts about 5:30 p.m., with awards and a tree lighting following at Plaza del Rio immediately after the parade.

Santa usually brings up the end of the parade, riding a fire engine instead of a sleigh, then he stops by the park to help with the tree lighting. Often, he takes time to visit with area youngsters afterward, spending some time with those who want to tell him of their Christmas wishes.

The crafts faire will continue until about 8 p.m.

The new addition this year will be a carriage ride through downtown streets, according to Recreation Supervisor Julia Pettit. Starting about 3 p.m., it will wind through historic areas of downtown neighborhoods.