A community tree-lighting ceremony, open houses at local businesses, craft vendors and an appearance by Santa Claus are just some of the activities that will be featured during Christmas on Main. The event, which will be presented by the Parkesburg Action Committee (PAC), will take place on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 2 to 7 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Parkesburg.

Participating shops on Main Street will host local craft vendors and artisans at their locations. "Businesses will donate space in their stores for craft vendors who don't have their own buildings," said PAC member Tina O'Connor. "The road won't be closed like it is during Final Fridays, so crafters will be inside."

Participating businesses will also offer in-store holiday specials and bargains during the event. "Everybody Plays! and the Parkesburg Parks and Recreation Commission will host a take-home ornament table," O'Connor noted. There will also be a food truck on-site and roaming Christmas carolers.

Children will be able to write letters to Santa at the Parkesburg Free Library, 105 West St., Parkesburg. Letters to Santa that children write at home can be dropped off at the library or at Rocco & Anna's Ristorante Italiano, 302 Main St., Parkesburg.

The tree-lighting ceremony will take place at the corner of Main Street and Strasburg Road at 6 p.m. Santa will be on hand during the event. The live tree has been donated by Al and Kelsey Demsky from AWD Holdings, 3852 Upper Valley Road, Parkesburg. The community tree will remain lit throughout the holiday season.

This year, the public is being asked to help decorate the tree on Sunday, Nov. 27, at 1 p.m. Ornaments will be provided.

In conjunction with Christmas on Main, there will be a toy drive to benefit local families in need. "People are asked to drop new, unwrapped toys at any storefront on Main Street during business hours through Dec. 2," said O'Connor. "All the gifts will be wrapped and placed under the tree. After the tree lighting, any family that needs a toy can receive one."

PAC volunteers will be on hand to provide assistance with the toy distribution. No registration or proof of income is required. Adults may collect one toy per child. Leftover toys will be given to local charities.

Christmas on Main will be held rain or shine. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/PAC19365. Craft vendors interested in participating in the event can visit the Facebook page for a link to register or email PAC19365@gmail.com. The deadline to register is Sunday, Nov. 27.