PICKENS — The Pickens Revitalization Association, the city of Pickens and numerous local businesses and organizations will combine again to help celebrate Christmas throughout the month of December.

“Borrowing from the Dickens Christmas tradition, ‘A Pickens Christmas’ simply identifies and publicizes the many family fun seasonal events and activities that will occur throughout the city,” PRA Executive Director Allison Fowler said. “This year we have identified more than 30 happenings for everyone to enjoy from now through the end of December.”

The celebration begins with the traditional tree lighting ceremony in Legacy Square on Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. Pickens will also be celebrating Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30, and officials invite people to shop Historic Pickens and then join in the tree lighting ceremony.

The 2013 City of Pickens Christmas Parade will be held Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.

“Last year’s parade was recognized as one of the very best in the entire Upstate area,” Pickens Mayor David Owens said. This year’s traditional theme is “Christmas Lights.” Everyone is encouraged to come early to get a good viewing place, view merchant decorations and sing Christmas carols together. An awards ceremony will follow the parade by the city tree in Legacy Square.

Awards will be given for the parade, as well as the city’s merchant decorating contest. Parade rules and entry forms are available online at www.cityofpickens.com and www.historicpickens.com, as well as at City Hall and the Pickens Revitalization Association.

Other events throughout the month include numerous Christmas concerts and cantatas, children’s programs, holiday plays, Breakfast With Santa, illumination and “Hanging of the Greens” ceremonies, Christmas Eve services and other special events.

“We are also very excited about the merchant decorating contest,” said Fowler. “Very soon you should start to see decorations going up all over town. We encourage everyone to get out and shop at our local merchants and experience the holiday spirit here in Pickens.”

Special prizes will be awarded for the best window and interior holiday decorations and displays.

“A Pickens Christmas” posters and flyers, listing all the activities, are available at City Hall, Pickens Revitalization Association, Pickens Chamber of Commerce and at merchants throughout the city. All the events, activities, parade rules and contest details are available at www.historicpickens.com.