Santa—and shoppers—will have pedestrian access to Main Street, Covington this holiday season.

At Monday night’s meeting, the Covington City Council unanimously approved the closing of roads around the Square from 4-9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20, and Friday, Dec. 5, 12 and 19. According to Mainstreet Director Velinda Wheeles golf carts will be on hand to transport shoppers and visitors to the Square from designated parking areas nearby.

The Lighting of the Square event starts at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20, and Santa will arrive on an antique fire truck at 7 p.m., kicking off the downtown area holiday celebrations.

In response to questions raised by Council Member Janet Goodman, who said she had received numerous complaints last year about the shortness of the tree lighting ceremony, Wheeles said entertainment and carriage rides will continue until 8:30 p.m. on Thursday. For the scheduled Friday street closings, Santa will be on The Square from 6 to 8 p.m., and local choirs, dance groups and other entertainment will entertain holiday shoppers.