The holiday spirit will be alive and well this weekend as locals ring in the season with several fun, family-friendly events.

Friday, Dec. 7, Porterdale will host its Annual Christmas Parade with Santa and his live tiny reindeer at 7 p.m. in Downtown Porterdale. Following the parade will be the lighting of Porterdale's Historic Star and Christmas Tree. There is no cost for the parade. For more information on the event call (770) 786-2217 or visit www.cityofporterdale.com.

Saturday, Dec. 8, free and professional family portraits will be available at the Washington Street Community Center from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. No appointment is necessary, and the entire community is invited to stop by. For more information call (770) 786-4002.

Also on Saturday, The Historic Preservation Society of Social Circle will host its Christmas Tour of Homes from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. The tour will feature six fully decorated homes. At the society's headquarters, the Gunter Hall home, Nathalie Dupree will be signing her new book, The Art of Mastering Southern Cooking. There will also be a special appearance for some of the younger guests by Father Christmas at the Gunter Hall home. Tickets are $20 the day of the tour and are available by calling (770) 464-1866, (770) 464-1253 or going to the Social Circle Welcome Center. You can get more information at the society's website: www.historicsocialcirclega.com. The tour will be held rain or shine.

On Sunday, Dec. 9, Tuba Christmas will return to Porterdale from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m. The event will be held at the Porterdale Train Depot. Admission is free; attendees and participants are advised to dress warmly and bring lawn chairs. Registration for players is between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. at City Hall; the cost for registration is $5.