Rockdale-Conyers kicks off the holiday season the first weekend in December with concerts, parties, parade, tree lighting and more.

The Covington/Conyers Choral Guild under the direction of Roger Waters, presents “A Choral Guild Christmas” Thursday, Dec. 5, 8 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Covington, and on Friday, Dec. 6, 9 p.m., at the Rockdale Auditorium, 903 Main Street. Tickets are $10 from Guild members and at the door.

The New Depot Players stage “Christmas Belles” Dec. 5-7 at 8 p.m., 3 p.m. Sunday at 910 Center St.; Tickets are $20, $16 students and seniors; 678-374-3224.

The Olde Town Christmas Party starts Friday, Dec. 6, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Enjoy free visits and photos with Santa in the Conyers Depot at 901 Railroad Street. The Rockdale County Historical Society hosts a Secret Santa Shop for children up to 10 years with gifts $.50 to $5.

On Saturday, Dec. 7, starting 4:30 p.m., about 70 entries in the 14th annual Hometown Holiday Parade, themed “Lights, Camera, Action, Christmas!” will start at Rockdale County High School and concluding at Pine Street. Entries include the Heritage High School Marching Band, Atlanta Picture Cars, the Rockdale County 4-H Club, and Santa Claus aboard the 1951 Rockdale County Fire Truck.

The parade is followed by the tree lighting celebration at 6 p.m. at the Rockdale County Courthouse. Entertainment by local schools and performance groups, concessions and Santa Claus will greet audiences in this event taped for channel 23.

The Atlanta Boys Choir continue a 33 year tradition with their peformance Dec. 7, 7 p.m.at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, 2625 Ga. Highway 212, Conyers. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 ages 16 and under.

On Sunday, Dec. 8, the Pilot Club of Conyers revives its Christmas Tour of Homes, 1 p.m - 5 p.m. Tickets are $12 before the tour, $18 on the day of at the Olde Jail. To purchase tickets, call 404-394-3474. - Staff Reports