Thanksgiving and Black Friday have just passed, and you know what that means...CHRISTMAS! Time for listening to carols, snow ball fights, hot cocoa and awaiting Santa’s arrival. I love the holidays so much I don’t wait for Thanksgiving to come around to start getting into the Christmas Spirit. My Christmas tree is up, lights are illuminating the house and presents are being bought. This is my favorite time of year!

I love the heart warming atmosphere that comes along with families singing carols and enjoying each others company as they reminisce on the year that has passed by.

Do you have family coming to visit for the holidays? Wayne County has many quaint and family-friendly towns with glistening trees lining the streets and many unique local shops and restaurants.

I recently asked some locals what they would recommend as a fun winter activity to someone who is visiting the Wayne County area.

Shirley Warth - “Family Tradition of walking through Glen Miller Park during the celebration of lights and enjoying hot fudge cake afterwards”

Katrina Harris - “Going to look at Thistlewaite Falls when ice has begun to form and snow is on the banks! So beautiful, but you have to be careful about ice on the path/steps!”

Betty Voit - “Christmas in the Depot Celebration.”

Amanda Harris - “ Driving around in your PJs with your family & some hot cocoa while looking at Christmas lights around the city.”

David Roe - “Sledding is the best when you take all the grandkids at once down the hill!”

Wayne County has lots of unique seasonal activities and events taking place this time of year. Here’s a partial list of Wayne County events that are related to the holiday season. Learn more about these events and many others scheduled throughout the season by visiting our online list of events.

Cambridge City Wonderland Saturday, November 30, 2013 Main Street & Creitz Park, Cambridge City 5 - 9 p.m. 765-478-5352 The Christmas Wonderland will offer: Antiques and unique crafts/collectibles, a lighted parade, snow ball fights, petting zoo, live nativity scene, strolling carolers, a double decker bus, craft bazaar, carriage rides and much much more! Bring the whole family and don't miss out on the fun!

Old Fashioned Christmas Festival Tuesday Evenings in December Historic Depot District , Richmond 5 - 9 p.m. 765-939-3325 You will feel the spirit of the season as you stroll through our historic neighborhood aglow with twinkling lights and luminaries. Enjoy: Carriage rides, ride the double-decker bus, visit santa, live reindeer, cookies, hot chocolate and much more!

Warm Glow Christmas Open House Friday, Saturday & Sunday, December 6-8, 2013 Warm Glow, 2131 N. Centerville Rd., Centerville 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. 765-855-2000 Come to the annual Warm Glow Candle Co. Christmas Open House! It's more than a sale, it's an EVENT! Join us for great sales, wine and gourmet food tasting, live holiday music, free photos with Santa, local artisans, live reindeer on Sunday and so much more!!

Holiday Parade Saturday, December 7, 2013 East Main towards South 10th, Richmond 4 p.m. 765-962-8151 The 24th Annual Holiday Parade theme this year is "Holiday Dreams". Bring the whole family and enjoy the festivities as you watch the floats travel through uptown Richmond.

Celebration of Lights Saturday, December 7, 2013 Glen Miller Park, 2414 East Main Street, Richmond 5 - 9 p.m. 765-983-7425 Our traditional luminary display will delight the whole family. In addition there will be carriage rides, entertainment, a candy cane hunt for the kids,  a bonfire, and concessions. Santa will even be there, so bring your camera!