The annual Christmas Lights Parade won’t be held this year, but not even COVID-19 can put a damper on all Christmas activities.

As in the past, downtown Abilene will sparkle with seasonal lighting and events, beginning with Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28. That evening, Mayor Anthony Williams will flip a switch at 6 p.m. to light the 62-foot tall tree on the south side of the Abilene Convention Center.

Special events, sponsored by the Abilene Downtown Association, will be held throughout December. Among them will be a 5K run, children’s garden party, pet day, adult pub crawl, outdoor Las Posadas procession, Christmas movies and more. For a map, dates, times, and details of all the activities, go to abilenedowntown.com/city-sidewalks

The monthlong City Sidewalks celebration is a collaboration of the Abilene Downtown Association, businesses, and support from affiliates of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce and city of Abilene.