It’s not Christmas in Covington until they flip the switch and light the lights along the square.

That will happen at 6 p.m. Thursday at the annual Lighting of the Historic Courthouse. Covington City Councilwoman Janet Goodman will offer Thanksgiving greetings. Santa will be there, accompanied by officers of 4-H clubs at local elementary and middle schools.

The event also features holiday performances by members of the Oxford Singing Children and Newton County Community Band.

You can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s workshop at the Ramsey Furniture Annex on Clark Street beginning at 5 p.m. Carriage rides also will be available in a traditional carriage or the Cinderella Carriage from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., courtesy of Main Street Covington. Rides are $5, or you can get a "Buffalo Nickel" good for up to six riders with a purchase from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. from any participating downtown restaurant or merchant.

The lighting is hosted by the city of Covington, the Newton County Commission, the Arts Association and Main Street Covington.