Can you believe it? Another year has almost passed and it’s now settling into the season of Christmas trees, holiday lights and comfort foods.

However we got here so fast, along with the snowy season (we might get some flakes this week) we can look forward to a couple of bright events in our community.

Literally.

The Virgil Christmas Tractor Parade will return to light up the streets on Dec. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. Visit the town’s website to find out route details.

And then there’s the traditional Christmas Parade that’s been running for 54 years now, give or take.

It hits the streets of Old Town on Dec. 14 at 11 a.m.

As usual, it will be a massive parade for a little town, showcasing marching bands, tons of local businesses and the Big Man himself.

And if you haven’t already got yours, this year’s parade buttons (a major source of fundraising for the event) are designed by NOTL’s own renowned artist Trisha Romance.

They’re sure to be collectors items and we’re told they’re available at Phil’s Independent in Virgil while you’re cashing out.

There’s also a plethora of holiday-related events you can check out in our revived calendar centrespread. We highly recommend using it to plan out some of your winter adventures — though it will be changed up on Dec. 19 for our last paper of the year to include our annual holiday wrapping paper.

With the final edition of the year, that’s a “wrap” for us, so how fitting is it that we’ll literally be giftwrapping the paper?

And for everyone excited about winter (We know, there are dozens of you …) you can look forward to the newest instalment of our winter tourism guide, “NOTL: A Guide for Distinguised Explorers” which hits the streets Dec. 6.

For the third time, the paper has partnered with Tourism NOTL to bring a guide for visitors to all things NOTL.

If you run a business and missed out on the chance to be a part of the guide, send us an email to reserve your spot in our summer issue.

And wait — what other bright event happens on the first Friday of December every year? Oh yeah, the mammoth Candlelight Stroll celebration.

If it’s even possible that someone in town hasn’t checked that out before, it’s something you simply have to do. A huge crowd of people light up thousands of candles and take a stroll through Old Town to hear dozens of musical acts playing and singing Christmas songs. It’s a bright treat, and it’s right here in our town. So don’t miss out.

As usual, the stroll will collect food donations for Newark Neighbours (which is having a Black Friday sale this Friday and Saturday for the thrifters out there).

While the recipients of the stroll fundraising haven’t been finalized this year, we can be sure it will go to someone deserving.

If all that isn’t a reason for some cheer, then perhaps your heart may be two sizes too small.

But just in case, here’s a few more winter events to lift your the inevitable depression caused by 4 p.m. darkness:

The Legion will host a Christmas Craft Show on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Normally I make the chili, but this year I was given the day off.

The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre is hosting a holiday market starting Dec. 6.

Reif Estate Winery will also host a holiday market with a charcuterie art workshop on Dec. 8. Sounds tasty.

Fort George will also welcome visitors Dec. 14 for its “Garrison Christmas” event, featuring historical holiday traditions, and, of course, musket demonstrations.

And that’s really just scratching the surface of all there is to do in town this year.

editor@niagaranow.com