KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Holiday fun returns to downtown Kelseyville this week with the annual Christmas in the Country' Merchant Open House and Parade of Lights.

The event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, on Main Street.

Every Christmas the Kelseyville Business Association rings in the holiday season by showing off what it does best: an old-fashioned Christmas in the country, some down home country hospitality and the best light show this side of the constellation Orion.

The spirit of spontaneity may be a part of what makes the combined parade and open house so charming.

Holiday music fills the air all along Main Street starting at 5:30 p.m. Stroll through town and take in all the sights and sounds in the crisp winter air, where the shops owners have their doors open to welcome all who stop in to have tasty treats, warm beverages and discover the country town.

Come early to get something to eat.

Starting at 5 p.m. Kelseyville Presbyterian Church – located behind Westamerica Bank – will hold its annual chowder and chili dinner. St. Peters Catholic Church on Main St. will have hot dogs and beans, coffee, hot cocoa and treats.

Kelseyville United Methodist and Unitarian Universalist Community will have free treats and holiday singing. Please bring some canned food or a donation to help support their holiday food baskets for local families in need.

The parade of lights starts at 6:30 p.m. with Santa, and that's when the fun really begins.

The participants work so hard to delight all with their floats, boats and all sorts of things decorated with holiday lights that lets everyone of all ages feel the joy of the holidays.

Immediately after the parade, walk down to the Kelseyville Fire House where Santa will light the town Christmas tree.

Then follow Santa across the street to Westamerica Bank and whisper your wishes and have a photo with Jolly Old St. Nick, taken by Dawn Smith of Color Splash Photos. Smith donates the proceeds to make Christmas wishes come true for Lake County's foster children.

While waiting for Santa enjoy the music and sing a long by David Neft and caroling by the Sweet Adelines.

Enjoy the lights and decorations through town. So many business owners came out and help make it sparkle and twinkle. That's the kind of country town that Kelseyville is, where everyone loves to step up and help out.

After the parade Kelsey Creek Brewing will have live music, Studebakers Coffee House can create that special holiday drink to warm you up, the Sawshop Gallery Bistro will have wine and complimentary cookies, Wildhurst Tasting Room will have mulled wine and cookies, Rosa D' Oro Tasting Room will offer Italian cookies and mulled Muscato, Kelseyville Pharmacy has a huge selection of holiday ornaments and home décor, and visit with antique and collectible dealers to find those unique gifts.

Also throughout the Christmas season – through Jan. 4 – Taylor Observatory will present “The Mystery of the Christmas Star,” a real delight for the family. Go to www.taylorobservatoy.org or call 707-262-4121 for more information.

Be sure not to miss out on the Lake County Theatre Co. performing “Peter Pan” Dec. 5-15 at Kelseyville Gard Street School. Visit www.LakeCountyTheatreCompany.org or call 707-998-0224 for more information.

So mark your calendars, wear your scarves and mittens, visit with old friends and make new ones while starting off your holiday season in a Christmas country town.

For more information or if you want to be in the parade, contact Mary Morse at 707-279-8559.