Tonight Porterdale kicks off its third Christmas in the Village celebration at 7 p.m. The event will feature music, a tree lighting and Santa and his tiny reindeer.

Saturday morning residents can wake up and head to downtown Covington for the wonderful Christmas tradition of the Lion's and Main Street Covington Christmas Parade. This year's parade promises to be even more efficient and creative than last year's. Festivities begin at 10 a.m.

Sunday evening Chimney Park will light up during the second Twilights event. This Sunday from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. behind the Newton County Library will feature lighted displays, handmade ornaments, caroling, storytelling, hot chocolate, popcorn and s'mores.

T.K. Adams, 2009's esteemed lighter of the Newton County Historic Courthouse, and his Newton County Community Band will perform their annual holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the auditorium at Eastside High School.

What's so wonderful about all these events is that they are all free of charge. Now if that doesn't make you merry, we don't know what else will.